Tag: women

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Product:  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  Does your skin need serious help?

Overall Rating =  3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good

Cost: $30.00 for 6 oz. ($5.00 per ounce)  Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  FirstAidBeauty; QVC; Sephora; Ulta

Container:  Larger Sizes – Plastic jar with twist-off lid; Smaller Sizes – Plastic tube with twist-off flip-top cap

Description:  First Aid Beauty is a line many of you may not be familiar with.  This is a relatively new brand of cosmetics and has only been around since 2009.  This brand first caught my attention because the entire line is fragrance free and all of the products say they are safe for sensitive skin.  The brand really took off when they got their products into Sephora stores, on QVC, and starting getting buzz from beauty editors.  First Aid Beauty (FAB) has received quite a lot of media attention in recent years, most of it positive as far as I can tell.

FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a fragrance-free cream that is best for consistent, dry, combination or sensitive skin.  This cream may be too intense for oily skin.  This cream is intended to be used both on the face any anywhere on the body.  Since this is a thick and heavy cream, this should be used after other products, if applying it to the face.

My skin has been taking a beating the past few weeks with all of the testing I have been doing so I was happy to try out a cream with “ultra repair” in the name.

Please Note:  This product contains Eucalyptus Globulus (next to last ingredient).  Many individuals are sensitive to eucalyptus and this may cause irritation if you don’t tolerate eucalyptus well.  If you experience burning or itching, please discontinue use.

The company claims:  “DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL HYDRATION AND PROTECTION WITH NO GREASY PETROLEUM – FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil and ceramides, FAB Ultra Repair® Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. FAB Antioxidant Booster is there to defend skin from free radical damage. Ultra Repair® Cream can be used all over the body and on the face. “

Regarding the skin types this cream is intended for the company further states, “WHO SHOULD USE IT?  FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments or any of the following conditions: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, irritant eczema, allergic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris.”

Please Note:  This product is not intended to treat any medical condition.  Before using this or any product, please consult your dermatologist.

Reviewing the ingredients, this cream is not going to provide any real anti-aging benefits or cutting-edge ingredients.  It is a nice basic cream that will provide hydration and moisture from colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and shea butter.

Morning Review:  The FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a bright white thick cream.  This does not contain any SPF or sunscreen ingredients.  Apply this after your serum or primer and sunscreen. It has a velvety texture and a dollop about the size of a raspberry (1/4 teaspoon) is enough for just the face.  You will probably use a full tablespoon or more if you are going to apply this to your entire body.  The scent is difficult to describe.  It smells like a eucalyptus candle to me.  It is very subtle and does not linger once applied to the skin.  I did not experience any negative side effects from the scent.  The cream feels very hydrating and soothing to my irritated, sensitive skin.  Because this cream is so dense, I do not think users with oily skin will like this one, despite the claims from the company that this cream is suitable for all skin types.  It takes a while for this to fully absorb into the skin, so if you are planning on putting makeup on top of it, you may need to allow for an extra five minutes.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel dry, tight or oily.  I did not experience any irritation, redness or sensitivity issues.  The FAB cream really helped to calm my skin down and kept it feeling soft and smooth for several hours.

Overall Review:  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream seems to be an excellent heavy cream for all skin types except oily, especially those with fragrance allergies.  This is suitable for both women and men.  My male tester did not find the scent displeasing and could barely smell anything.  This would be an excellent hand cream for men who have rough skin.  I would say I like this better as a hand or body cream than a face cream.  It simply feels too heavy and smothering to me.  I don’t like to feel like there is anything on my skin.  Also, I don’t like to use separate creams and sunscreens, so I would only use this at night or if I were staying in for the day.

The cream is available in tubes in smaller sizes and jars in larger sizes.  Even though the cost per ounce is less in the jar, I would buy the smaller tubes to protect the contents from contamination.  Even though the concentration of anti-oxidants in this creams is quite small, what little there is will be sensitive to air and light and rendered ineffective over time if you buy the jar.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is suitable for the following skin types:  (All but oily)

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not if sensitive to eucalyptus);
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

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

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair CreamFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Open JarFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream in Hand

Ingredients:  Colloidal Oatmeal, Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Squalane, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ceramide 3.

Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, Colorants, Parabens.

Please Note:  There has been some controversy regarding whether Feverfew Extract is good or bad for your skin.  The Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract that First Aid Beauty uses is free of the potentially sensitizing component Parthenolide (technically known as Sesquiterpene Lactone).  Feverfew itself, when Parthenolide-free, has a calming effect on the skin.

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

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects

Product:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects.  Does this serum really produce dramatic results?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars 3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $49.50 for 1 oz. ($49.50 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Clinique; Dillard’s; Macys; Sephora; Major Department Stores

Container:  Glass bottle with glass or plastic dropper

Description:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum is a fragrance-free serum intended to address fine lines and wrinkles.  This serum is designed to be used immediately following cleansing, night and day, prior to the application of any other product.

I have been familiar with this brand for decades.  Once upon a time, they were the only company with an entire fragrance-free line that was readily available at retail.

The company claims: “Delivers 63% of the visible wrinkle improvement of a dermatological laser procedure at 12 weeks. Not a laser, of course. But impressive results. New ingredients deliver twice the smoothing as before, remarkably refining skin’s texture.”  These are some pretty lofty claims, right?  I don’t necessarily agree with these statements, but I always take marketing claims with a grain of salt.

Please note, nothing that comes out of a bottle or jar is going to give you results that can in any way compare to the dramatic changes your skin will see if you undergo laser treatments from a physician.  Lasers can penetrate the epidermis down into deeper layers and will stimulate collagen production greater than any serum.  Lasers can tighten and tone skin.  Lasers can eliminate skin issues that no topical product can achieve.

 As we age, our skin gets thinner, collagen production slows, and skin regeneration and sloughing decreases.  Thinner skin also becomes less flexible which leads to the formation of lines and wrinkles.  Light skinned individuals typically first show aging as lines around their eyes and dark skinned individuals typically experience discoloration as they age followed by lines and wrinkles.  Because serums are so light and thin, they are readily absorbed into the skin to deliver anti-aging antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients.

Morning Review:  This Clinique fragrance-free serum is clear and has almost no scent other than those from the botanical ingredients.  The consistency is light and the texture is silky.  Due to the high concentration of silicone derivatives, it glides on smoothly onto my skin.  This serum feels very gentle and I don’t experience any irritation.  Due to the lightness, it is quickly absorbed.  Although not specifically designed for it, this serum can be applied to your décolletage.  My makeup goes on top of this product beautifully without any stickiness or tackiness.  As this product does not contain any sunscreen, please apply sunscreen before your makeup or use a makeup with a high SPF.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  This serum helps my makeup to wear well, my face stays soft and smooth, and I do not experience any sensitivity or irritation issues.  This serum helps to improve the tone and texture of my skin.  I have not seen any evidence of elimination or improvement of fine lines or wrinkles.

Overall Review:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum is an excellent serum for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies and/or other sensitivities. This is suitable for both women and men.

Please note:  This serum contains ingredients that are air and light sensitive.  Do not store this near a sunny window sill and keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.  This product comes in larger sizes, but the ingredients begin to lose effectiveness once exposed to air and light.  Unless you are going to use the contents within 90 days, it doesn’t make a great deal of sense to buy the large bottle just because it costs less.  If you still have a lot of product left after 90 days you’ll essentially just have a nice light weight primer without any anti-aging benefits.  If you like to use a lot of serum twice a day and also apply it to your décolletage, then the larger bottle may be a good choice for you.

This serum 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.)

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects Serum

Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Methyl Trimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysilicone-11, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Plankton Extract, Whey Protein, Sea Whip Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Sodium Hyaluronate, Micrococcus Lysate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Ergothioneine, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Lecithin, Carbomer, PEG-8, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, Dyes, Parabens.

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

Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Advanced Vitamin C Skin Resurfacer

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Product:  Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Advanced Vitamin C Skin Resurfacer.  This used to be known as Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Peel.  (Photos of both products are shown below.)  This is a two-step fragrance-free exfoliating product.

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

Cost: $48.50 for 4 oz. total (2 products, 2 oz. each) ($12.13 per ounce) Price Category: Mid-range

Sold By:  Serious Skin Care; HSN; Kohl’s (limited products)

Container:  Two tubes with screw-off caps

Description:  I first became familiar with this line of products while channel surfing in the middle of the night.  Jennifer Flavin-Stallone and Cecilia Lewis were on HSN and I stopped to listen as they touted the benefits of this line.  I ordered a kit with many different products, most I didn’t care for due to fragrances, but this one was interesting.

Here is the description from the Serious Skin Care website:

“Doesn’t your skin deserve a very special beauty treatment? “C” a wonderful difference in the way your skin looks and feels with C-Extreme Results from Serious Skincare. This at-home skin resurfacing kit is a 2-part beauty treatment that helps rapidly exfoliate your skin while delivering Vitamin C.”

“What It Does: Helps skin feel incredibly soft and silky. Helps improve the appearance of mature, over-40 skin.”

The funny thing about this line of products is that when I first tried them about a decade ago the packaging looked like someone was making this stuff in their garage.  The jars and bottles were the generic plastic kind you would buy if you were making your own cosmetics and the paper labels looked like they were printed with a home computer.  Since I don’t like fancy containers anyway, this was both amusing and appealing to me.  Also, their website is a no-fuss site without a lot of information.  Recently, they have gone to fancier, more expensive packaging and they are giving you less product as a result.  Such is progress, right?

Warning:  Please do not use this product, or any physically abrasive product, if you have Rosacea without consulting your dermatologist first.

Morning Review:  This is not intended to be a daily cleanser.  This is an exfoliating product designed to be used 2-3 times per week after cleansing.  Highly sensitive skin may want to begin with once per week.  Both products are fragrance free and the scent occurs from the ingredients. Step 1 has a light generic chemical scent and step 2 has a light citrus scent.  Neither scent is offensive to me nor makes my nose run.

This product reminds me of chemistry class.  Remember when you poured vinegar or a soft drink (acids) onto a pile of baking soda (an alkali) and watched it bubble?  Such is the effect of this two-step chemical activation product.  Step 1 is gritty feeling from the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) which is the second ingredient.  You squeeze out the off-white paste from the tube and put that all over your face.  It takes about a teaspoon of product.  You then squirt out the clear lactic acid liquid from step 2 and rub it on top of step 1.  Squirt it into the palm of your hand or it will go all over the place.  Also, you’ll need about a teaspoon of the liquid.  (For some reason I always run out of the paste before the liquid even though I try to use equal amounts.)  This product used to come with step 1 in a jar and step 2 in a squirt bottle.  That packaging made a lot more sense than this current configuration.  It is difficult to get all of the paste out of the tube and the liquid runs out too fast.

As you might expect, when these two compounds combine, they bubble up on your face and this chemical reaction exfoliates your skin.  Some people report a gentle warming sensation, others do not.  I do feel the warming sensation when I use these two products together.  The current formula is not as dramatic as when I first used the product years ago.  After gently massaging the products, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.  As with any exfoliating product, avoid the eye area.  My skin feels baby soft after using this combo and my makeup goes on flawlessly.

Morning Rating = 4 Stars for the Product, 3 Stars for the Packaging = 3.5 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin stayed smooth and I did not have any allergic reactions.  I have used this many times without any negative side effects.

Overall Review:  I prefer chemical exfoliants to physical exfoliants, and this product is unusual as it is both a chemical and physical exfoliant.  Using this product 1-2 times per week should be fine for most people.  I would say that every other day would be too frequent.  Sensitive skin should begin with once per week.  This is not a good product to use in conjunction with a cleansing brush.  The combination would prove too severe.  As with any physical exfoliant, the key is to be gentle, and don’t rub vigorously, or you will irritate your skin.

Those of you who follow me know that I am a huge fan of exfoliating and discuss the topic frequently.  Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Advanced Vitamin C Skin Resurfacer is a very good exfoliant at a mid-range price.  It definitely removes dead skin and leaves my face feeling smoother.  The scent is not offensive.  The products do not dry out my skin and my sensitive skin tolerates it well.

This product is appropriate for use by men as well as women.

This exfoliant is suitable for the following skin types: (Not for those with Rosacea)

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

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers =4 stars 4 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

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

Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Advanced Vitamin C Skin Resurfacer

Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Advanced Vitamin C Skin Resurfacer Current Packaging

Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Peel

Serious Skin Care C Extreme Results Peel Former Packaging

Ingredients (Step 1) C-Resurface: PEG-6, Sodium Bicarbonate, Oleth-20, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Dimethicone, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl, Butylparaben, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Yellow 5, Yellow 6.

Ingredients (Step 2) C-Potion: Water, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyquaternium-10, Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Beta Carotene, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben.

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

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub

Product:  Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub.  Today’s product is a good exfoliating scrub that won’t “break the bank”.

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

Cost: $5.35 for 5 oz. ($1.07 per ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Wal-mart; Walgreen’s; Retailers everywhere

Container:  Plastic tube with non-removable flip-top lid

Description:  Simple (Sensitive Skin Experts) Smoothing Facial Scrub is a fragrance-free exfoliant without any perfume, dye or harsh chemicals.  The company states, “Our Smoothing Facial Scrub gently lifts dry, dead skin cells to help your skin look brighter and more even textured, plus it’s a perfect blend of our purest possible skin loving ingredients with added vitamins.”

This is not a daily cleanser.  This scrub is intended to be used in conjunction with a daily facial wash, not in place of one.  This is a physical exfoliant, which means it contains ingredients that literally rub off the dead skin cells just like sandpaper removes varnish.  Those of you who follow this blog or my former beauty newsletter know that I can’t stress enough how important exfoliating is to your skin.

Warning:  Please do not use this, or any physically abrasive scrubbing product, if you have Rosacea without consulting your dermatologist first.

Please Note:  This formula was changed a couple of years ago and no longer contains plastic microbeads.  The exfoliating ingredients are now rice powder and silica, which are much better for the environment and marine life.

Morning Review:  Due to my fragrance allergies, the first thing I do with any new product is smell it.  If I immediately sneeze or my nose starts running, I know I’m in trouble.  I flipped open the cap and this scrub definitely has an odor to it.  Since it is a fragrance-free product the scent is due to the ingredients and not added perfume.  Reviewing the contents, there are two different acrylates, which is why this scrub smells like plastic.  One of my testers described the scent as “a new plastic shower curtain”.  I have to say that description nailed the scent.

This is a white creamy cleansing scrub.  You will definitely feel the abrasive rice powder and silica.  Please rub gently, not vigorously, with any exfoliating scrub.  Please do not rub this on your eyes.  This is not a product for removing eye makeup.  You should always avoid getting any type of exfoliating product into your eyes.  A dollop the size of a blueberry would have been enough for my entire face.  I only used it on one side of my face the first time for comparison sake, and to gauge any negative reactions.  I used this day and night two days in a row.

Morning Rating:  = 3 stars3 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin stayed smooth and I did not have any allergic reactions.  The second time I put it on my entire face.  Using it twice in the same day proved to be a little too harsh for my sensitive skin.  The company recommends using this product 2-3 times per week.  I would say that every other day would be fine for most people.  This is not a good product to use in conjunction with a cleansing brush.  The combination would prove too severe.

Overall Review:  I prefer chemical exfoliants to physical exfoliants, but if you like an abrasive scrub, Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub is a good one at a very affordable price.  It definitely scrubbed my pores clean and left my skin feeling smoother.  I did not like the scent, but it was not offensive.  The scrub did not dry out my skin and my sensitive skin tolerated it well.

My male tester liked this product a lot and did not mind the plastic scent.

This scrub is suitable for the following skin types: (Not for those with Rosacea)

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

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

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

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub

Ingredients:  Water, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Hydrated Silica, Vegetable Oil, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, BHT.

Formulated Without:  Fragrance, Dye, Parabens.

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

Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum 813 RE9 Advanced

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Product:  Today we are reviewing another serum, Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum 813 RE9 Advanced.  Is this one going to work wonders for you?

Overall Rating = 3 stars3 Stars – Good

Cost:  $62.00 for 1 Fluid Ounce  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Arbonne Website or Arbonne Independent Consultants

Container:  Plastic pump bottle with outer plastic cap.  The pump does screw off.

Description:   Arbonne was formed in Switzerland in 1975 and began selling products in the USA in 1980.  The company’s headquarters are now in Irvine, CA.  Many of you may not be familiar with this brand as it is a direct-marketing brand.  You can only purchase the products directly from the website or independent consultants, similar to Amway, Avon or Mary Kay.  I was introduced to this brand about 10 years ago from a consultant who wanted my professional opinion of the line.

The company claims to be environmentally conscious and their vegan products are primarily botanically based without toxic chemicals.  Their website is pretty impressive.

Regarding Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum, the company states, “It’s called “intensive” because it’s concentrated. The collagen-supporting ingredients are clinically proven to hold in moisture and help visibly firm and lift, while lessening the appearance of fine lines.”

I used almost a full bottle of this prior to posting this review to see if there are any long-term benefits.

Morning Review:  As with any serum, they should be applied after cleansing and toning and prior to any other products such as sunscreen, moisturizer or makeup.  Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum is slightly thicker than some serums I have used.  It is primarily clear with a slight milkiness.  It feels silky to the touch due to the high concentration of silicone derivatives.  The scent is difficult to describe but it definitely has a plant-type scent.  This is a fragrance-free product so the scent is naturally occurring due to the ingredients.  It did not make my nose run or my eyes burn, but I did sneeze the first time I sniffed it.  After application my skin has a more velvety texture and it feels slightly smoother.  Would I say my skin looks any different?  Not really, but it does feel nice.  The serum absorbs quickly.  My makeup goes on nice and smooth on top of this serum.

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  I did not experience any sensitivity or irritation issues from this product.  I have sensitive combination skin.  The oily parts did not get oilier.  The serum does seem to keep the dry parts of my skin hydrated rather well.  When I rinsed it off, my face felt silky.  After repeated use, I had the same results each time.  I did not notice any major changes whatsoever, positive or negative.

I did not notice any change in pore size, dark spots, sagginess, fine lines or wrinkles.  It did not make any of those issues worse or better.  Also, this serum did nothing to firm or lift my skin.  While it was on, my skin felt slightly tighter, but the effects were temporary and as soon as I washed it off, my skin felt the same as it always does.

Overall Review:  Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum 813 RE9 Advanced is a good botanically-based serum for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies.   This is suitable for both women and men and my male tester said it made his skin feel “moister”.  It is a good product with enough beneficial ingredients to warrant adding it to your regime.  It provides moisture and an improvement in texture without irritation.  It did not work miracles, but then what does?  I have yet to discover a fountain of youth in a jar.

Suitability:  This serum is suitable for the following skin types:

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

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

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

Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum 813 RE9 Advanced

Ingredients:  Aqua/Water/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Polysorbate 40, Polyacrylate-13, Butylene Glycol, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Thioctic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Carbomer, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Polyamino Sugar Condensate, Urea, Panthenol, Lecithin, Salicylic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Pca, Stearamine, Silica, Tetrasodium Edta, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

Formulated Without:  animal products or by-products, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, benzene, bisphenol-a, carbon black, formaldehyde-donating preservatives, hydroquinone, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfates (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), synthetic dyes, talc, triclosan, triethanolamine (TEA), and so much more…

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

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

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Product:  Today’s we are reviewing Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.  Is this product as effective as the more expensive brands?

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost:   $5.82 for 5.5 oz. ($1.06 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Wal-mart; Walgreen’s; Retailers everywhere

Container:  Plastic bottle with screw-off cap

Description:   This is a clear liquid remover for all forms of eye makeup.  According to the manufacturer it is, “effective and gentle”, “removes even waterproof mascara” with “no oily residue”.  It also claims to be “Dermatologist Developed”.  This is a fragrance-free product.

I was first introduced to Neutrogena products as a teenager, so needless to say I’ve had a lot of experience with this brand.  (I haven’t been a teenager for a long time.)  The Neutrogena brand began in 1930 in Switzerland, came to the USA in the 1950’s and was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1994 when it became a worldwide brand.

I’m going to be putting some Neutrogena products through some comparison tests to see if they can perform as well as products costing many times more.

Everyone who wears eye makeup needs a good remover that doesn’t burn, sting, and leave an oily film on their eyes or skin.  The Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, just like the Lancôme Bi-Facil, is a dual-phase product.  It contains a lipid layer (slippery-feeling cleansing layer) and a water layer.  The product must be shaken well prior to use to combine the two layers.  If you insert a cotton swap into the bottle without shaking first you will just get the oily-feeling lipid layer.  When the product is left standing still you can see the lipid layer rise to the top just as you will with an oil-and-vinegar salad dressing.  When shaken, the product changes from two clear liquid layers to one milky-colored liquid.

Morning Review:  I like to use this product with a sterile fresh cotton swab each time.  To keep your product sterile, don’t put your fingers on top of the bottle and keep it tightly capped when not in use.  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 almost no scent.  The primary ingredient that I smell is aloe vera.  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.  The remover is quickly absorbed into the skin and does not leave an oily residue.  It leaves the skin around my eyes feeling smooth.  I always rinse off any eye makeup remover prior to the application of skin-care and makeup products and I recommend you do the same.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  I decided to really put this remover to a test.  In the morning I put on a heavy eye makeup complete with concealer, primer, multiple eye shadows, gel eyeliner, liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara.  Several hours later I then removed the makeup from one eye with Lancôme Bi-Facil and the makeup from the other eye with the Neutrogena remover.  They both performed exactly the same.  It took the same amount of product to remove the makeup, which was two double-ended cotton swabs for each eye.  (If you have a problem with cotton fibers getting into your eyes, you can use disposable foam applicators instead of cotton swabs or you can put a little remover onto a makeup wipe.)  I did not have to tug or scrub to remove the makeup.  They both worked effectively at removing all traces of eye makeup including stubborn and difficult-to-remove products.   My makeup wipes did not find any traces of eye makeup.  The skin around my eyes did not feel tight or irritated, and in fact, it felt soft and hydrated.

The primary difference was that my nose was running due to the fragrance in the Lancôme Bi-Facil and that does not happen when I just use the Neutrogena remover.  Also, the Neutrogena absorbed into my skin faster than the Lancôme Bi-Facil did.  Since I rinse it off anyway, this is not much of a factor, but there was slightly less oily residue with the Neutrogena.

Overall Review:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is an excellent eye makeup remover for all skin types and is gentle enough for those with contact lenses.  This is a good product to use if you have fragrance allergies.  This remover is suitable for both women and men.  It is very affordable and readily available at most retailers.

If you see negative reviews for this product and complaints that it is too oily, I suspect that is due to the fact that the users did not shake it prior to application.  The layers must be combined for the product to work effectively.

This remover 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 = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Ingredients:  Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Poloxamer 182, Allantoin (Comfrey Root), Tripotassium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride Solution, Glycerin, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Fruit Extract, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate.

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.

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.