Oily Skin Fix? Review of Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser

When I spotted Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser on a shelf at my local Rite Aid, I picked it up and bought it on a whim, as I so often do. I tend to try and scoop up every oil controlling or shine reducing cleanser and moisturizer whenever I happen to see one.

While many work really well, others fail to impress me. My all time favorite has got to be LaMer, oil controlling tonic, but they ask for such a pretty price for their wondrous product.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser was right there, I did not have to wait for it to come in the mail, and I did not really worry about the price. It was just under $7.00, and I figured, yeah it's a little up there in price, but if it works, it would be well worth it. If not, I could always just bring it back for a refund.

With summer months approaching, I worry most about shine and oil, as my skin tends to be harder to control when it comes to excessive oil and shine when the weather is hotter and more humid.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser comes in a standard stand up squeeze tube, and its dull pastel purple color actually allows it to stick out on shelves among the competitors whom use bright scream at you, look at me colors and logos. The simplicity of it actually allowed it to stand out. Hmm, Clean & Clear is doing something right!

My Use:

I planned on using this one in the morning before applying my makeup. I liked the idea of it promising to control shine all day long, and I hoped it would work, because I hate having to blot and powder my forehead every other hour due to it shining so disgustingly.

The cleanser is not really all that cleansing. Its texture is that of lotion, and my skin did not at all feel all too clean after using it. It has a nice fresh scent, and there is nothing chemical or gross about it, so that was a plus. I just really wished it contained some micro-beads to give my skin a deeper clean feeling.

Afterward, I applied my makeup as I usually would, and decided to not check my skin till noon to see how well the cleanser worked at keeping my skin flawlessly shine free.

Results:

So by noon, there was some shine, but it was actually not a bad shine, it was more like a glowing kind, where my skin had a perfect balance of healthy glow, and shine control. An hour later I had to blot with some powder to rid my skin of shine, but to be honest, this cleanser worked really good compared to others that contain the same promise, and deliver nothing but shine.

When it came to Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser I was happy with what I saw for as long as I saw it. Most cleansers and shine free moisturizers do not last till noon and beyond, and this one actually did.

It will not keep shine away all day long as it states, but it will keep your skin looking shine free and healthy for about half the day, and heck, that's not too bad for the price I paid.

Recommended:

Yes. I have very shiny skin normally, and the fact that this cleanser was capable of keeping shine at bay for as long as it did, makes me happy enough to recommend it to anyone who cannot stand the sight of shiny, or oily skin.

Tighten The Skin, Shrink Pores... Well Will It? Review of Boots No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner

I was just about to run out of my LaMer Toner, which helped keep my normally shiny/oily skin, shine free. Seeing that the toner by LaMer is a little pricey, I decided to try a fall back toner from Boots No 7, which is

one of my favorite skin care product creators.

I usually just buy their wrinkle creams, and never before managed to spot their Boots No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner, perhaps that was because I was never looking for it.

I spotted it fast though at my local Target, and what was interesting was that this toner almost resembled LaMers, only the application was easier; a pump applicator allowing you to easily pump the toner out onto a cotton swab and apply it to your face. With LaMer, you risked spilling a lot when applying it due to their not being a pump.

At any rate, Boots No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner is designed for those with combination skin, which is my skin type, a mix of dry and oily. I mostly hate the oily areas because of the unsightly shine that it gives off.

It stated on the bottle of Boots No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner that it would keep my skin shine free, and would not dry it out, a perfect balance, thus the name, 'Beautifully Balanced'.

I just hoped it worked at keeping my skin shine free, and kept it from drying out in other areas on my face.

Before applying the toner, I first washed my face of all makeup. I then pumped some of the formula out onto a cotton ball and began to swipe it around my face. The toner picked up leftover makeup and dirt that I thought was gone, but was not. I knew if anything, this toner would keep my skin beyond clean, and breakouts would be less and less, if at all due to how clean it made my face feel.

Once the toner began to dry it did not dry out my skin, but what it did do was quite impressive. The shine I previously had going on, on my forehead was gone, a nice matte finish with no mirror effect.

This toner would become my only toner, and LaMer pushed to the curb if it managed to keep my skin shine free for the day, the way LaMer's toner does.

Move over LaMer, Boots No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner has won me over, with a price more than cut in half compared to LaMers oil absorbing tonic.


My skin remained shine free for hours, without drying out my skin. I had shine free skin, I was happy I did not have to continue to blot my skin throughout the day, and I loved how after a week of use, my skin was clearer and tighter in the pores. No breakouts!

I would recommend this toner to anyone looking to keep shine at bay, without sacrificing your skin to drying out to get the same results.

This toner can be found online or at Target for under $10.00.

Will It Leave Your Face Shine Free? Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser- Find Out!!!

When I spotted Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser on a shelf at my local Rite Aid, I picked it up and bought it on a whim, as I so often do. I tend to try and scoop up every oil controlling or shine reducing cleanser and moisturizer whenever I happen to see one.

While many work really well, others fail to impress me. My all time favorite has got to be LaMer, oil controlling tonic, but they ask for such a pretty price for their wondrous product.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser was right there, I did not have to wait for it to come in the mail, and I did not really worry about the price. It was just under $7.00, and I figured, yeah it's a little up there in price, but if it works, it would be well worth it. If not, I could always just bring it back for a refund.

With summer months approaching, I worry most about shine and oil, as my skin tends to be harder to control when it comes to excessive oil and shine when the weather is hotter and more humid.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser comes in a standard stand up squeeze tube, and its dull pastel purple color actually allows it to stick out on shelves among the competitors whom use bright scream at you, look at me colors and logos. The simplicity of it actually allowed it to stand out. Hmm, Clean & Clear is doing something right!

My Use:

I planned on using this one in the morning before applying my makeup. I liked the idea of it promising to control shine all day long, and I hoped it would work, because I hate having to blot and powder my forehead every other hour due to it shining so disgustingly.

The cleanser is not really all that cleansing. Its texture is that of lotion, and my skin did not at all feel all too clean after using it. It has a nice fresh scent, and there is nothing chemical or gross about it, so that was a plus. I just really wished it contained some micro-beads to give my skin a deeper clean feeling.

Afterward, I applied my makeup as I usually would, and decided to not check my skin till noon to see how well the cleanser worked at keeping my skin flawlessly shine free.

Results:

So by noon, there was some shine, but it was actually not a bad shine, it was more like a glowing kind, where my skin had a perfect balance of healthy glow, and shine control. An hour later I had to blot with some powder to rid my skin of shine, but to be honest, this cleanser worked really good compared to others that contain the same promise, and deliver nothing but shine.

When it came to Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser I was happy with what I saw for as long as I saw it. Most cleansers and shine free moisturizers do not last till noon and beyond, and this one actually did.

It will not keep shine away all day long as it states, but it will keep your skin looking shine free and healthy for about half the day, and heck, that's not too bad for the price I paid.
Recommended:

Yes. I have very shiny skin normally, and the fact that this cleanser was capable of keeping shine at bay for as long as it did, makes me happy enough to recommend it to anyone who cannot stand the sight of shiny, or oily skin.

Review: Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging, Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths

-my post also on AC
Did you know that if you wear makeup daily, and you fail to get every last trace of that makeup off a night before bed, that you are more prone to waking up to break outs?

Hopefully you knew that. If not, now you do.

I began using makeup removers since my teen years, and over the years have found that some removers work like a charm, while others contain an oil base which actually caused more harm to my skin, than they did good (break out city!).

I stuck to one particular non-oil makeup remover for years. This remover however was expensive, and did not come with much formula in its small bottle.

More recently I have found a love in cleansing cloths. Cleansing cloths not only will remove all traces of makeup, but many on the market today have cloths that will remover makeup from your skin, as well as dirt and oil. Besides just that though, they provide a benefit to the skin.

One such product goes to Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging, Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths.

These wet cleansing cloths will remove dirt, oil, impurities, and at the same time will leave behind a beneficial formula that will improve your skin by making it smoother both to the touch and visibly. The cloths are strong enough to even remove stubborn waterproof mascara.

My use with Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging, Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths, was positive. The cleansing cloths not only removed all traces of makeup, but it left my skin feeling very smooth, clean and refreshed after just one use.

Over time I noticed a subtle difference in my skin tone, but to me the difference was very, very small, so if you buy this one, don't go on expecting miracles as far as curing wrinkles goes.


If you want a really efficient makeup remover than these cleansing cloths are perfect for you. If you are looking for help with minimizing the appearance of wrinkles I'd suggest Cerave, and Estee Lauder's skin care products.

All in all though, Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging, Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths are cheap, effective, and leave your skin feeling clean, refreshed and new after just one use

Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub, A Review

Whenever I run out of facial scrubs, I go out and restock on a binge. I find that I cannot make up my mind, I get overwhelmed, and I end up purchasing three different bottles of scrub. Normally I only do this whenever I see that a company has made something new. If I see that different companies have made new facial care products I buy them all. It's a bad habit, but I care about my face a lot, so the bad habit is really a benefit to my skin.

During my most recent binge on facial care products I came home with a large squeeze tube of Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub.

The reason I bought the scrub was mainly due to the fact that it was something new from Olay, and I have been a fan of Olay for quite some time now. The other reasons of course go out to the promises the scrub had made.

It promised to exfoliate, and clean deep deep down into the pores in order to purify the complexion of the skin. The scrub also promises to polish away dull skin, while minimizing pores and leaving the skin clear.

The promise has of course been heard a million times over and over again. Just about every facial scrub I have come across promise the same, or similar results to the skin. Olay however usually comes through with their promises, so I felt like the $7.99 I spend on the scrub would be a good investment for my skin.

My Use:

In the bathroom I clicked open the cap, and squeezed out a generous portion of the scrub into my palms. The scrub itself has a grapefruit transparent coloring to it. I was able to spot the small studs of exfoliating scrub in the formula.

The scent was refreshing, but at the same time really weak. I usually like rinsing my face with citrus scented products because they give me a good burst of refreshing energy after I use them. Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub sort of disappointed in the scent department.

After wetting my face a bit, I went to work at scrubbing the formula into my face. The exfoliating beads did a pretty good job at lightly scraping the surface of my skin, without being harsh or painful.

After scrubbing it around for a little bit, I then rinsed. My face felt refreshed and clean, but I have used other scrubs that have left my skin feeling fantastic and rejuvenated. Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub failed as far as leaving that 'beautiful' clean feeling behind after drying off.

Long Term Results:

I have been using Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub for over a week now, and have noticed no changes in my skins appearance at all. I continue to use it to see if there are any long term benefits, but after waking up this morning and discovering small breakouts, I decided to bring this one back for a refund. I do not know if the break outs have anything to do with this scrub, but breakouts like this do not happen too often for me. Usually they only occur when I am using a bad product that my skin does not agree with.

Overall:

I'd recommend saving your money and buying another scrub.

Try These:

Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads

I have been a fan of Olay for quite some time now. I used to avoid their products in the past because they caused my face to break out. Recently though nearly everything they have made I actually like, and my skin likes it too!

My most recent purchase was Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads.

The exfoliating properties not only are supposed to remove dead skin from my face, but it is also designed to make my skin feel smoother after just one wash.

I am pretty gullible, so the package didn't have to say much beyond the word 'smooth'. Seeing that I usually have dry skin after using exfolating washes, I was excited to see how if Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads would work well, and to see if it would leave my skin smooth as promised- after just one wash!

I was relatively skeptical about it working in just one wash, but I went ahead anyway and spent the $7 and change on it.

The scrub is exfolating and you can feel the micro grains and see the microbeads within the formula. I wet my face first and then applied a quarter amount dab to my face and rubbed it all around. The scrub was gentle on the skin and not irritating at all.

The scent was nothing note worthy, which was odd because Olay products usually have a very nice refreshing scent to them. Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads sort of smelt medicated and a little bland.

After scrubbing the formula into my skin for some time, I then rinsed.

My skin did not feel any smoother. My face felt clean, but as far as smooth goes, the moment I towel dried my face there was no difference. My face felt tighter when dry, but not smoother.

Overall:

Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads is a good wash, don't get me wrong. It didn't irritate skin or cause any breakouts. But it didn't smooth my skin in just one wash as promised.

I do however recommend it to rid your face of any dirt and oil. It kept my skin mostly oil free for the day, so it makes up for its flaws in that department.

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Anti-Stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals

I go through bouts of insomnia. There are weeks where I do not sleep a wink, and for some reason I once again have been going through a period where sleep is very difficult to come by. It sucks!

When I don't sleep my body can still function, but my face takes quite the toll of it all. I get dark circles, my skin looks dull and sleepy, and actually feels stressed.

When I came across a bunch of products by Montagne Jeunesse at my local KMart, I was drawn to the words that were written on the package: calming, and anti-stress.

The product was called Dead Sea Anti-stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals.

The packaging was flashy, convincing, and I felt as if I needed it (a lot of products have that effect on me).

I read closer, and according to the package, this face tonic would whip up a skin miracle in only 5 minutes. I liked that, because most facial masques or treatments call for a half hour of time, or more.

In 5 minutes time it also promised to re-hydrate and moisturize my skin. The face tonic is also gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, Why that is important is beyond me... but for those who look for this sort of stuff, it's free of it. Tee-hee.

What Is It?

Although it is called Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals, they fail to mention one thing....what it is.

Well, It's actually a cloth facial masque. You simply rip open the package, and apply the soaked masque to your face.

Packaging:

The packaging is what drew me in. Basically the masque comes in a tear drop shaped aluminum package. Inside there is one masque.

The package itself is done up to resemble a spa like atmosphere, with glistening water in the background, and a lady on the cover wearing this pretty blue and white masque. The masque on her face is colored blue with white waves throughout. It's supposed to look like water.

I hoped that the actual mask was the same one she was wearing. I doubted it would though. I imagined they made hers look all nice, nice for advertising purposes.

My Use:

The Montagne Jeunesse: Dead Sea Anti-stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals did not quite look like the masque that the woman on the cover package wore.

Instead I got a very thin large masque made of very thin, easily torn cloth. The cloth had the same pretty image on it, which I was actually surprised to see, however the masque was a hell of a lot larger then the one the perdy lady wore on the packages cover.

First I had to rip a small piece of cloth from the mouth area. I was to place this small strip of cloth on my nose, and then apply the masque after I had the nose piece in place.

Anyhow, the masque was saturated in the face tonic, and actually dripped a bit when I first began unfolding it.


The scent was rather calming, which was a plus. It reminded me of the way a beach would smell before a thunder storm. Calming, relaxing, and exciting all the same.

I applied the nose strip, and then placed the masque on my face. It was too large, and the edges hit the my hairline. Once I had the masque comfortably in place, I then tried to relax... for um... 5 minutes. Not very relaxing in my opinion, but whatever. I followed the directions.

Results:

After about a minute of the masque being on, I felt nothing. However just as I was about to write it off in my mind bank as crap, the masque began to activate. I felt a cooling and tingling sensation that was actually really, really nice.

After feeling that sensation it actually felt like millions of micro-bubbles were cleaning my skin. I could feel something going on, and it was unique and different. Almost as if there were some sort of active colony working on massaging my face pore by pore.


After enjoying the feeling of micro-bubble scrubbing my skin, the 5 minutes were up.

Honestly I could of kept it on for longer, but I feared that if I didn't follow directions it would dry my skin out, or cause break outs, so I removed the Montagne Jeunesse: Dead Sea Anti-stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals and threw it away. My skin still felt very tingly, clean, and refreshed even after the masque was off.

The package recommended that I splash some water on my face, an towel dry. After splashing the water on my face, the tingly sensation went away. That sort of sucked, but what can yah do?

Cons:

I have 2 issues with the Montagne Jeunesse: Dead Sea Anti-stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals.

The first issues is that it is meant to calm and relax you. However after the 5 minute treatment you can't just roll over and go to sleep. You have to get up and rinse your face off. That sort of defeats the whole 'calming/relaxing' aspect of the masque.

Secondly after rinsing off, and towel drying, my skin was shining like a star. I hate when my skin looks greasy. Although the masque didn't leave behind any sort of greasy substance or slimy residue, it looked greasy.

I know my skin was most likely super clean and this is why it looked shiny, but the shine seemed to last for the entire day and into the next. I don't know what it did to my skin, but I certainly didn't enjoy the 48 hours of shiny skin. I'm usually actively seeking products that remove shine, so it was dreadful to have the masque actually add shine to my face.

Pros:

Setting the shiny face and lack of relaxation aside, my face did in fact feel 90% better. The dark circles under my eyes were still present, but my eyes did not feel as tired and weighed down.

My skin was no longer dull either, and I enjoyed the 5 minutes that I got out of the masque.

Overall:

Although the Montagne Jeunesse: Dead Sea Anti-stress Face Tonic with Dead Sea Minerals left my face shiny for 2 days, I really loved the results. My skin felt rejuvenated. The tired skin around my eyes felt re-newed, and overall for $1.26 it was well worth it.

I do wish though that I didn't have to rinse the tonic off after applying the masque.

Where To Buy:

You can find this, and other Montagne Jeunesse facial tonics at KMart, and Walmart. You can also purchase them in bulk online, or at the Montagne-Jeunesse.com website.

I also think that these masques would make you face feel AWESOME after spending a day at the beach and getting a sunburn. This would bring total relief to your burnt face.

Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream

I have always been told by my grandmother that if you start using moisturizers and anti aging creams at a young age, you will end up with young wrinkle free looking skin in your old age. My grandmother had the skin to prove her theory.

About 2 weeks ago I was given Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream for free. A trial size, but nonetheless, enough to last me a good 2 weeks.

How It Worked:

Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream was pretty terrible. It left a swampy sticky residue behind, which made my skin feel nasty.

After using it for 2 weeks I also was not able to see any difference in my skin. I have very fine crows feet/laugh lines around my eyes, and after using Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream for 2 weeks, there is absolutely no significant changes.

Those small wrinkles are the same as they ever were.

The only thing I liked about the cream was that it had a nice fresh citrusy scent. Other than that it made my skin feel gross, which resulted in me washing it off.

One thing I will say about Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream, is that it would provide a lot of relief to those with very, very dry skin. This stuff over moisturizes, so for those with dry skin I imagine that this cream would work nicely for them.

Skip This:

Buy This:

Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Cleanser

I have to purchase facial cleansers at least twice a month. I go through them like fat people go through potato chips. I wash my face around 3 times a day. Once in the morning, once when I get home from work, and once before bed.

Although I love trying different products, I have noticed that the pricing takes a toll on me sometimes, so when I came across a bottle of Garnier Conditioner that had a free trial sized tube of Garnier Nutri-Pure Microbead Cleanser attached to it, I of course went in for the buy.

It promised to remove dull looking skin, while cleaning pores.

When I went to use it I noticed the cute teal colored microbeads within the white grainy textured cream.

At first I wondered if it would hurt, seeing how it included not only microbeads, but it also included extremely sand fine microbeads as well. They are added for extra exfoliation.

When I began scrubbing it into my skin, I noticed the gorgeous citrusy fresh clean scent, that comes packed in most Garnier products.

As I scrubbed, I was happy to note that it did'nt hurt at all, and that even those with sensitive skin could use this.

Results:

Fabulous! My skin was left feeling soft, clean, and new. I couldn't of been happier.

The best thing about it though was the fact that it left my skin oil free all day long.

I recommend this to those with oily skin, and those with dry skin. It keeps oil at bay for those with oily skin; and it will remove dry skin from those who suffer from it.

Overall I feel that Garnier Nutri-Pure Cleanser is an awesome product. I plan on making this one, part of my full time facial care collection. Not many items make it to the full time cabinet.

L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Refreshing Eye Makeup Remover

L'oreal Dermo-Expertise Refreshing Eye Makeup Remover is amongst my favorite eye makeup removal products. It is oil free and will not leave a nasty residue behind like most makeup removal products do.

It gets rid of mascara and eye liner with ease.

I usually apply a decent amount to a cotton ball and it gets the job done.

The only issue I have with L'oreal Dermo-Expertise Refreshing Eye Makeup Removeris that it is difficult to come by at times. It seems whenever I want to restock, the shelves are empty.

Another con is that it runs out fast. If you apply makeup daily, and use L'oreal Dermo-Expertise Refreshing Eye Makeup Remover to remove that makeup daily, don't expect it to last longer than a month.

At around $6.00 for a bottle though, it's a good buy.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation

In the past I always thought that spending more than $6.00 on foundation or makeup was absurd.

However when my cousin, who also happens to be my best friend began working in Macy's I noticed that the girl was even more beautiful looking than I'd ever seen her look before. Granted she's a gorgeous girl...I noticed she had done something different.

She was wearing MAC Cosmetics. I myself have never used MAC, only because I thought that $25.00 for any makeup was straight up insane. However after seeing her wearing MAC, price seemed to be no object. She was stunning to look at! Flawless, perfect, and hot damn, I had to have some.

I of course being new to MAC at the time asked her what exact products she was wearing. She went down the list, but the one product that grabbed my attention was MAC Studio Fix Foundation, which I learned was a pressed powder compact.

Looking at her results, I never in a million years would of thought that a pressed powder could work such magic. I used to use pressed powders simply to conceal shine on my forehead. As far as coverage went, I never got anything that looked as vibrant and flawless as her face did.

"Come on!? A pressed powder!? You've gotta be kidding me!"

She convinced me, swore up and down... all that good stuff.

My first experience with MAC Studio Fix Foundation came shortly afterward. The rest has been history. I have been in LOVE with MAC Studio Fix Foundation.

My favorite color shade for the winter time is NW25 which is meant for those with medium light skin tones. It gives flawless coverage, and goes on with ease. The results are simply amazing. It was as if my skin took on a whole new healthy glow, and I was in love with how natural it looked.

During the summer, I go a shade or two darker to blend in naturally with my summer time tan.

Packaging:

MAC packs MAC Studio Fix Foundation in their official logo cardboard box, which is nice, because you can put it back in for safe storing. $25.00 on this stuff, you want to make sure it's stored safely!

The pressed powder comes in a circular compact, that contains a mirror on the inside. There are 2 compartments in the compact. At the top you have your powder, and mirror. If you lift up though, right below that hides a circular application sponge.

This is probably the only con. The sponge itself is awesome, but the chamber where it resides has holes in the bottom. So if you chuck this into your purse, you could end up getting the sponge filthy because particles of dirt can easily enter the chamber.

Overall though MAC Studio Fix Foundation had simply been the best powdered foundation I have ever used, Period!

It is totally worth the $25.00 price tag.

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads

The main reason I purchased Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating,was because I suffer from dry areas on my skin. I got annoyed with non stop plucking at my dead skin areas with a tweezer, so I figured an exfoliating cleanser would do the same job, in less time.

Neutrogena's Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating is designed to gently exfoliate skin, remove excess dirt, and leave skin feeling soft.

The package comes in a pack of 24 pads, which is enough to get you by for most of the month.

The pads are made of soft cotton, and have 2 sides, with 2 different uses. One side of the pad contains exfoliation dots, which give the pad a more rough rugged texture, while the other side is softer for polishing the face.

In the middle of the pad there is a slit for you to slip in your fingers for a better hold on the pad. I liked this feature, and not many facial cleansing pads available are made like this.

After I slipped the pad onto my fingers I then ran it under some water as directed. I then began to scrub my face with the textured exfoliation side of the pad.

Small bubbles began to form on my face the more I scrubbed. What I ddn't like though was that the foam had a very greasy slime like texture it left behind as I scrubbed.

Besides the nasty greasy texture, I was also not to impressed with the texture of the pad itself. It was too soft on my face. When I exfoliate, I expect some sort of rough texture. This ensures a flawless cleaning. Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, though was soft, and did not make my skin feel like it had the best possible cleaning.

I flipped the pad and used the softer side to polish. This side sucked as well. It barely felt as if it were doing anything for my face; besides leaving behind oil slicks.

Overall:

Even after washing my face it felt greasy. I had to rinse twice just to rid the horrid texture off of my skin.

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, also did not leave my skin feeling as clean as other products do. All in all, I am disappointed in Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads, Illuminating. I'm packing them up, and getting my $6.00 back.

Those with sensitive skin may like them; however they are so weak when it comes to exfoliation....and they leave behind a nasty oily residue.

Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer

With hotter weather approaching, my face takes on a whole new look. It's called grease, shine, and funk.

Quite disgusting actually. So it is no wonder that I would be on the prowl looking for new solutions to rid my face of such horrors. I hate shine. I've always been one to like a flawless china doll matte finish.

Although achieving a matte finish in the winter months is pretty easy for me, once warm weather pops out, so does my nose and forehead shine. Ugh! Gross! God! Come on!

When I came across Clean & Clears Oil Free Dual Action Moisturizer, I was more than happy to toss it into my cart.

I had high hopes for it. Besides there are tons of things available that can rid my face of shine. I know of quite a few products. But... if you're like me, you like to try new things the moment they hit shelves. With the word NEW boldly written on the bottle, I of course NEEDED to try it. Plus hey, I'll get a review out of it, so why not eh?

The Promise:

Like all shine free products, Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer, promised pretty much the same. Shine free skin, all day long... but with a moisturizing agent added to the formula. Yep...for me it was like a 2 in 1. I have dry spots, as well as shiny spots, so I figured this stuff would be awesome.

I applied all over my face before adding makeup. The lotion absorbed fast, but it had a very pasty feel to it. Almost as if it were drying my skin out severely. I figured this would be okay for my shiny areas, but could be terrible for dry areas.

Results:

Well sad to say that in less than a few short hours my forehead was shining like a mirror, and my dry spots were even flakier than before adding the lotion. Ugh!

Overall:

A waste of $6.00.


Use This Instead....

Revlon Colorstay Concealer

Okay I've been there, used that. You name the concealer and I've used it.
While most products I've tried causes that nasty caking (I'm so doused in makeup look), SHINE, and even more breakouts which leads to having to use even more concealer just to hide the breakouts caused by the concealers; and for those with dry skin, concealers can just become a skin dilemma.

Revlon's colorstay concealer has caused me no skin problems whatsoever. My skin type is oily. Usually any type of concealers I've used in the past have caused me to look as if I had a mirror on my forehead.
Until using this product all of those problems have become problems in the past.

Revlon's colorstay Concealer stays on, and stays on well. NO shine! NO SHINE! Probably because it is OIL FREE.
It doesn't feel like your wearing any makeup at all. It blends easily, and quickly with your finger, there is no need for any application pads or special blending brushes.
It stays on my skin for a good 8 hours, without wearing off.
Yes you can touch your face, and yes, even lean it up on that significant others shirt and its not going to budge. (Unless maybe you really mash it in)

Revlon Colorstay Concealer is SPF6, and it comes in 3 colors of
Natural Beige
Sand Beige
Ivory.

I use the Sand Beige even though my skin is slightly lighter than that. This specific color gives me a nice look of a beach tan even though I wasn't really at the beach.

Ive found that the best way to keep the concealer looking its best and most flawless is to lightly dab your face with a shine proof powder or any type of powder, preferably oil free to prevent breakouts.

First apply the Revlon Colorstay Concealer then dab your face lightly with the powder. It gives your face a flawless glow. Especially if you use 'Radiance' shimmer powder.

The one bad thing I've noticed about this concealer is how if you get to close to the eyebrows it will create a line of darker color around the hairline.
It can easily be taken care of with a wipe of warm water or alcohol. But it doesn't make its appearance for about 4 hours into the wear. So a mirror checkup may be necessary.
But it does not dye hair with time. I've used it for months now, and haven't noticed anything strange in my hair color.

All in all this is the best concealer I've ever gotten my hands on. I wouldn't switch brands for anything.

Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder

I've been using Maybelline's Shine Free Loose Powder for almost 2 years now. I have had the original, and also recently just purchased the new and improved version.

Honestly the new version is way better than the old one. Shine control now lasts much longer than the original formula had once done, but regardless, I loved it then, and the love has grown.

I have oily skin. Its meant for me. I've used products promising shine control in the past, from -I swear to you tracing paper pieces that swore oil control, only after purchasing it discovered it was nothing more than what tracing paper blots or a napkin blots couldn't do.

I first picked it up unconvinced, like I am with most beauty products. Most promise this, and swear that, and deliver nothing more than lies on a pretty bottle.

The Maybelline shine control is far from a pretty bottle. I fact its wrapped in plastic, so you can't even test it. Some people may not like that, but I personally do. The thought of someone else using my product before I buy it some how makes it not new, but used, and nasty. To put it short, it just irks me.

I was also a bit sad to see that maybelline had improved it. Usually when beauty products improve something, its made worse. Cheaper. Companies figure they've got the consumer, so they cheapen up the product, and people still buy it. I thought maybelline had done the same thing. Gave it a new look and made the product less effective. However they didn't, so I was very pleased.


Lets get into how it works. It comes with a face blotter. I don't know the technical term for it, but that's what I've been calling it for years. Applicator pad, what have you.

I personally am not fond of these in any way, shape, or form. They hold bacteria which will cause acne, a big no- no for anyone with oily skin to begin with.
You also have to clean them weekly, and wait for them to dry. It never drys right making it a hard round face scraper. If you are to buy this, make sure you buy yourself a big blush brush for application of the shine control powder. It comes out more smoothly, and evenly when you apply using a blush brush. Using the round applicator pad only makes your face look cakey.

The reason I purchase Maybelline's shine control time, and time again, is simply because it delivers just what the bottle states. Shine Control. It's not like the usual garbage where you have to re-apply, and re-apply, if its humid out. You put it on, and it stays on. I'd say for about 9 hours. That's usually when I wipe my face off, I'm sure it'd last longer, but I clean my face too often to know if it lasts past 9 hours.
Its weightless, so you don't feel anything on your face, or any stickiness like some products do. Your face will not shine under the hottest of suns.

I recommend applying it in problem areas, such as the nose, forehead and brow line. I also recommend applying your favorite foundation before applying the loose powder. Then applying blush over the shine control powder. It gives your face a natural glow without looking too "put on".
It will not overpower the color of your foundation at all. Even if you happen to buy the light one by accident. They re both relatively transparent.

The only downfall I'd have to say is how a lot of powder ends up on your table or counter when you close the lid, a lot of unused powder not in the chamber flies up into the air. Also I would like to see it in a darker color. I the summer time I tan too well, and applying even the medium tends to give me a dusty ghost-like hue.

Woman of color should of also been considered before making this available. Everyone suffers from oily skin, not just light and medium tones. So I would love to see a dark shade added to this wonderful line.

Bath and Body Works, Temptations, Cinnamon Bun Heaven Body Lotion

I smell good enough to eat. Literately. I'm not even kidding.

I myself have never been fond of cinnamon scents, they make my nose cringe, and I start having sneeze fits. I first did a sniff test of the Cinnamon Bun Heaven 3 in 1 bath product, and I was not too thrilled, so I left it behind.

On a recent trip back to ‘my’ local hot spot (Bath & Body Works) I pretty much had everything in the temptations line, except for this one, and Banana Smoothie. I decided maybe I would give the Cinnamon Bun Heaven lotion a try.

I have never been a lotion fan, but after discovering how wonderful Temptations lotions are after purchasing Alluring Apple lotion, I knew my 3 in 1 collection had to expand into purchasing their sister lotions.

My whoffie of whoof Gods, this stuff smelled delicious. Not only that, it was the last bottle in the store besides the tester (this stuff must be popular).
I had to have it. It smelled just like fresh baked Cinnabuns cinnamon buns. There is also a lovely subtle hint of vanilla, making you feel warm and relaxed once the scent hits your nose; it also hits all of your other senses. Yep, even your mouth will water.

For only $8 I really felt as if I was getting it for a steal, and I held on tight, I knew I had the last one. MINE! Don’t even look at it lady!

Cinnamon Bun Heaven came in a 10 ounce bottle with a click cap. The packaging was the same as the 3 in 1 washes.

IT WAS DELICIOUS-

Bath & Body Works Cinnamon Bun Heaven smells so true to a real cinnamon bun that I actually felt like I would gain weight just by sniffing it. How can something that smells so good not be bad for my skin? Surely this stuff would make me break out in zits right? Wrong, so far I have been using this lotion daily for almost a week now, and I can actually see and feel a difference in my skin. It is now smoother, and there is not one sign of a yucky little pimple on my body. Oh and it’s fat free, hehe.

This deliciously smelling lotion not only made my skin smooth, but it also worked wonders on my dryer areas on my body. It leaves no sticky nasty greasy feeling behind like a lot of lotions do.

I would however give it a good 5 minutes to completely absorb into your skin before throwing your clothes on if lotion sticking on clothing bothers you.

*I actually put my clothes on while the lotion is still drying; the scent lingers all throughout my clothing if when I do this. The wet sticky feeling is barely recognizable, so I guess it would be okay to do the same. I can also proudly report that it will not stain if you happen to plop some out on your clothes by accident.

YOU BETTER HURRY!

This is a limited edition scent. It goes away and is sealed in the vault like a Disney classic. So stock up now while you can. I am noticing that it is not even available on the www.bathandbodyworks.com site as of now. So I am assuming I got extremely lucky when I came across this ‘it’s so stinky it’s good’ in the store recently. If you have a rare run in with this scent at a local store, don’t pass it by. Before you know it money hungry folks will be selling it on Ebay for double the price. As of now only the 3 in 1 Cinnamon Bun Heaven is available on the site. It’s a cruel world I tell ya.

HERE IS THE BEST PART

If you are able to get it, Cinnamon Bun Heaven body lotion lasts, and lasts, and lasts. Maybe not in the bottle seeing how you will be using this one daily, but it lasts on your skin. It’s like the energizer bunny in lotions. I cover my body with it in the morning, and by 5o’clock I can still smell its sweet aroma all around me. It’s pure bliss.

AROMA POWER-

Beyond 8 hours. I have never found a lotion where the scent stays with me for so long. I’m not even exaggerating here. It seriously stays with you, and what’s the MOST EXCELLENT is that if you start to feel a little hot, or your body warms up, the lotions smell becomes stronger.

It just smells so darn good, that I’m being taunted by my skin to taste it, ‘Lick me… yummy… Oh just go ahead and taste me…. You know you want to…
Okay, don’t mind if I do. Mm, Not bad.

THOSE LOVELY STINKIN’ INGREDIENTS

Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin, Petroleum, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Ceteareth-20, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamal, Limonene, Eugenol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linaloo, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Red 33, Blue 1 (C1 42090).

For more delicious, intoxicating scents from the Temptations check out Bath & Body Works Temptation 3 in 1 bath products. The yummy ones include Iced Tea Twist, don’t forget to try some fresh picked Alluring Apples, and while you’re there you’re going to want to try Runaway Bridesmaids.

RECOMMENDATION-

I’m not a Cinnamon fan, like I have said before, but I am a fan of this product, so I can honestly say that even non-fans of cinnamon smells and non-fans of Cinnamon buns (like me) in general will find this scent intoxicating and will love it.

So basically what I’m saying is that I can honestly say I would recommend this to everyone, and anyone.

Body Lotion Review: Healing Garden Green Teatheraphy Body Lotion, Soul Soothing

I don’t buy lotions for moisturizing or hydration or any of that other good softening hooey, even though most lotions I buy work well in that department, I buy them simply for the smell.

If it smells good, I buy it. There is no science; it’s as simple as that.
If I happen to stumble upon a lotion that smells good, it comes home with me. End of story!

This is exactly what happened with The Healing Garden Green Teatheraphy Body Lotion Soul Soothing. I have always been fond of green tea scents ever since I bought a perfume by Elizabeth Arden.

This lotion smelled similar, so I chucked it in my wagon and went on my way.

I had the option to go with a smaller 1.85oz tube for $3.99 or it’s big brother the 7oz tube for $5.99. I went with the larger of the two of course. Even though now thinking about it, the smaller one would have been fine.
The lotion is a creamy pale green in color and it is inside of a frosty see through tube. So it is easy to see when you are out of lotion, or when you need to restock.

It has an easy to use pop up cap.

HERE IS WHAT THE SITE SAYS ABOUT IT’S GREEN TEATHERAPY LINE:

There is no path without a destination. With Asian sandalwood, peony petals and everlasting, relax therapy green tea provides the way to a calming retreat for the soul. Come to a radiant place of quiet inspiration.

HOW DOES IT SMELL?:

Well there really is a simple way to put this. It smells like green tea. Now for those of you whom are confused, how can I compare this to a scent you may know?

Ever have a green tea Arizona iced tea, and that first initial smell that escapes the bottle when you pop it open? Well that’s what this lotion smells like.

It smells like a cup of green tea with some a small drip of sweet honey mixed in. I don’t detect any sandalwood in here at all. The smell is not strong; it’s actually soft and light, but easily detected.

HOW IS IT?

I popped open my top and began to squeeeeeeeeze, and nothing came out, so I squeezed some more, and grrrr… wait, what is that!?

Figures, the company forgot to pop a hole in my tube so no lotion can escape! Dang it!

So now, my easy to use pop up cap is now a screw on screw off cap. Great! I don’t know why this little issue bothers me so much, but it does. I liked the convenient easy to use cap, and they took it all away! Hmph!

Anyhow the lotion itself was not too thick or too runny. It was a perfect balance of the two for a nice mess free lotion, and the smell was actually calming. I wouldn’t say it did the whole restore on my soul like the bottle claimed, but it was calming.

GREASY?

I thought the lotion would leave my skin and hands feeling greasy, but it did not. Not even while applying it. It absorbed quickly into my skin and dried very fast. All that was left was nice smooth heavenly scented skin.

I don’t know whether or not it provided a ton of moisturizing, but it did offer some. My legs and skin felt re-hydrated, but not for too long.

When it comes to lotions, like I mentioned earlier, I only buy them for scent, I never rely on nice smelling lotions to give wonderful moisturizing results.

The scent lasted on my skin for the majority of the day. It does provide aromatherapy as it did put me in a calm and relaxing mood.

I would recommend using it all over your body before a long day at work.

WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

Well I bought mine at Walmart, and usually Walmart prices are the best you’re going to find, so that would be my recommended store for purchase.

There are other products in the Green Teatherapy line such as body wash, body mist, candles, and more. Check them out at WWW.healinggarden.com

WHAT’S IN IT?

Water, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, Arachidyl Propionate, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 60, Carbomer, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Benzophenone 4, Propylparaben, Polysorbate 20, Myristic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Santalum Album Wood Extract (Sandalwood), FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Green #5

RECOMMENDATION:

Anyone who enjoys products for there scents that last, and not so much for the moisturizing properties.
The smell is lovely and it will leave your skin feeling nice and soft after long-term use.

Bare Escentuals Rareminerals Skin Revival Treatment Night

In my recent quest to remain young, I told my uncle that I needed to stock up on anti aging and anti wrinkle creams, lotions, serums, or whatever is possible to get my hands on. He thought it was funny because my skin does not have a wrinkle to be seen. Yeah by him! I see them little crow’s feet starting to stretch out from my eyelid! I see it there trying to be sneaky!

See today I turned 25, and even though he thought I was joking, I wasn’t. I am not happy about this number, nor the way my skin is going to start looking if I don’t take care of it.

I know a lot of folks will say, ‘Oh you’re young’… ‘You’re still a baby’. WHATEVER to them all, they don’t know what they are talking about.

As of now, I’m wrinkle free, AS OF NOW! But to make sure it stays that way, I of course need to start thinking about my skin! My face mostly.
25 is the age man, if you don’t start taking care of your skin now, you may as well go get yourself a paper bag and draw a happy face on it.

So about 4 days ago I get a package from UPS. My uncle Lenny (I love you) added in Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment – NIGHT in a medium shade. Ooooohhhhh. I have heard about this before. I gave him a call, gave the whole thank you, and he kept telling me how I didn’t need it, and that he threw it in with the rest of my goodies as a joke.

He must be doing good, because that’s one expensive joke ($60).
The jokes on him, because I was excited to try out my new anti aging treatment. Haha!

My night treatment comes in a gold and white canister and contained .15 oz. Of RareMinerals.
On top is a small classy circular cut mirror, (finally a company that puts the mirror on the outside, and not the inside, where it can collect powder and get all fogged up).

You simply pop the top in any fashion. Inside is an attached applicator sponge. However you have to twist it till the arrow is on open. You can now puff some treatment out on your face. Now simply re-twist back to close it.

I quickly watched as I began to apply it to my face that my sponge was getting soaked with the medium colored product. Something about makeup stains on applicator sponges always has irked me, but what can yah do?

What I found mind boggling was how I was not able to remove the top at all to see how much was in the container. It’s really a guessing game on when you’re all out, or when you need to buy a new one. I honestly didn’t enjoy that.

WHAT IS IT FOR?

Well it’s used for bedtime, you apply a few dabs here and there, tah la la…here a puff, there a puff… everywhere a puff, puff; now go to bed.

This stuff is so light feeling that I honestly did not think anything was going on my face, and I thought I needed more than what I really did need. I guess when you are used to cruddy products; weight on your face feels normal. Making RareMinerals abnormal.

The coverage was flawless. I could not even feel it, nor see any traces of powder on my face or any darker areas near my dry spots. What I did see was a healthy natural looking coverage. I was impressed.

NIGHT TIME:

I at first was skeptical about the whole ‘leave it on at night’ concept, and thought that this powder was surely going to come off all over my pillow, so I lined my pillow with a blanket, just in case.
I had read testimonials about how people were claiming to wake up after just one treatment and seeing results. Hmm… I doubt that.

I woke up the next day and inspected my blankets and pillows. Not a trace of it anywhere. Hmmm…not bad, not bad at all.

I then waddled my way upstairs like a zombie expecting look like one.
Would you believe it! No creature face.
Obviously the treatment was still all over my face, but I was shocked to see that my skin looked sort of… dare I say…new!?

Yes, it did. My skin actually looked refreshed, and clean. Usually I wake up all splotchy, with patches of grease on my forehead and nose, and a new zit where the grease on my forehead forms overnight.
However waking up with RareMinerals this was not the case. I then rinsed off the leftover product on my face, and I was expecting to see my morning creature like self again under the makeup. The splotchy skin, a new zit perhaps…

But even after rinsing it off, I still looked refreshed, and my face still had that RareMineral healthy glow. WOW, WOW, WOW! I barely even had to do a touch up with foundation in the morning. This was amazing. This was definitely a skin break thru for me.

I don’t know what kept me from using it during the daytime. I honestly enjoy the look of this on my face more than my clay like foundation that dries out and leaves a clown like cake appearance on my face by mid-afternoon.

4 DAYS!

I know it has been only 3 nights and 4 days, but already I can report that I have not a single pimple erupt on my face since using this. My pores already look minimized, and the glow on my face is the biggest treat. No more dull unhealthy looking skin.

I don’t wake up looking like a zombie anymore, and this has taken my makeup application in the morning down a lot, and has saved me a good 15 minutes.
I used to start with a base, then a foundation, and then I’d do my cheeks with blush. Ech! Thinking of all that gunk going on my face now turns my stomach.

Just imagine how much bacteria was being slapped on and sticking to my skin while using heavy creamy foundations. Ew! Liquid foundation is so scrubby to me now. The enemy!

I now barely even have to do a touch up in the morning. I wash my face, apply a very light layer of ‘powdered’ foundation, to my greasier of areas, and that’s it. That’s really all I need.

I can’t wait to see what my skin will look like in 10 days. A new woman I’m honestly imaging.

Have I really found my fountain of youth in this little canister?
Perhaps. I wouldn’t go that far, but I can honestly say my skin already looks 60% better than it did 4 days ago.
If my pores completely disappear, I will update and really praise this stuff, and urge Epinions to allow me to add 5 more stars.

SPEAKING OF BACTERIA:

That’s sort of where I have an issue with Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Night Treatment. You see there really is no way to clean off the attached sponge applicator. I’m watching it get darker in color with each use.
I do apply it to a clean washed face, but I know that there is some funk still on my face, and pressing this applicator to my face everyday can’t be 100% clean. Oils stick to the sponge, I’m sure. So really it’s like puffing bacteria all over your face once the applicator is really dirty. I know this can cause acne.

So far I have been safe, but that’s because mine is new, I’m sure with long-term use, I too will see an occasional pimple because of this flawed design. A removable puff applicator would have been much better, that way I could replace it when it starts to look funky.

WHERE CAN YOU GET IT?

The price is high no matter where you try and buy it. It’s going to run you $60 easily (but I’m telling you its worth it). You can get it on the RareMinerals website, ULTA, or ULTA’s website.

HERE ARE SOME STATISTICS:

-89% felt their skin was firmer and more resilient
-85% felt their skin texture had improved
-83% saw fewer imperfections and less visible pores
-82% saw clearer skin
-81% saw fewer discolorations
-68% saw a reduction in facial lines and wrinkles

OVERALL:

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. I’m a customer for life now. My skin says thank you.

INGREDIENTS:

Organic soil mineral Concentrate, Illite (Green Clay), Emblica Fruit, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) - Natural, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice, Honey Bush Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Rosemary Extract, White Tea Extract, rooibos extract, Other Ingredients: Organic Soil Mineral Concentrate - penetrates the skin due to the nature of the minerals and absorbs other materials making it a good carrier for active ingredients. Jurassic soil - virgin soil that remains untouched for thousands of years allowing for natural rock formations rich in minerals to remain intact and preserve the natural and optimum soil-mineral balance composition to be extracted by a proprietary process exclusive to Bare Escentuals.

RECOMMENDATION:

Hear ye’ hear ye’, this is a must have for any gal, any age. It has improved my skin, and I know it can do the same for anyone willing to splurge a little and give it a try.

I cannot praise it enough; it is my new skin miracle. Make it yours too…

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home Microdermabrasion System

I was sick and tired of waking up every morning with a new growth on my face. This was primarily the main reason for my $30 purchase of Neutrogena’s Advances Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System.

I ran into this kit at Costco’s, and with a $5 off coupon, I figured I might as well give it a try. My kit came with extras seeing how I bought it at Costco’s. Everything is the same, and the price is much cheaper.

A standard $30 kit comes with Micro- Oxide Crystallized Cream. 2.6oz. A system applicator, 2 soft sponge heads, 2 AA batteries, and a stand to place the wand in when not in use. Costco’s handy kit came with 2 jars of cream and 4 sponge heads.

You will need to buy refills of the cream, and refills on the sponge heads if you do not clean them properly.

After reading the promises on the outside of the box, I placed it into my cart without so much as thinking that I was getting ripped off.

Directions On Box:

Day 1: Immediately enhances surface cell turnover for visibly fresher, smoother, baby soft skin.

Week 1: Boosts skin clarity for visibly brighter skin that glows with youthful radiance.

Week 4: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.

When I got home to put the system to use I figured this was pretty simple to use. You clip one of the sponge heads onto the wand, insert the batteries, dip the sponge head into the cream, and dab it onto problem areas before turning the wand on.

After that’s all said and done, you may now turn the wand on. There are two settings on it. You can put it on a high speed for a real good scrubbin’, or low speed for a softer scrub.

After you choose your setting you simply massage the cream into your skin using the wands sponge head.
I thought at first that it was going to hurt seeing how the cream was slightly abrasive. However even at my high speed, the only sensation I got was a tickling feeling.

If you apply too much cream it gathers onto the sides of the sponge and will fall to your shirt or floor, so honestly you don’t need to use giant globs of it on your problem areas, just a small quarter sized amount on each area will do just fine.

You are to massage this into your problem areas for 5 minutes.

This is where I had a problem with directions. Did they want me to massage each problem area for 5 minutes, or massage my entire face for 5 minutes? I choose the most obvious and massaged each individual problem area for 5 minutes, turning this exfoliation session into a grueling 20 minutes. My nose, my cheeks, my forehead, and my chin each got a 5-minute massage.

Next you simply rinse off. I figured once I rinsed off my face would be really red from the gritty cream, but after rinsing off it actually looked more like a slight beginning of a sun burn. My face felt cool and relaxed afterwards.

You also rinse off the sponge applicator with warm water. Don’t use any soap. Next you simply let the sponge applicator air-dry. (I usually pat dry it on a towel, and nothing bad has happened to it.)

Not only that I could feel how smooth my skin was. It definitely was what the box promised. Baby soft. However this baby soft feeling was masked with something else I know all too well. I felt greasy.

Not overly greasy to the point where I had to wash my face again, but I could surely feel something else coating my skin other than my very own baby soft skin. Something was masking the truth. And I feared that perhaps whatever this greasy feeling was would make me break out. My face usually reacts badly with any lotion I apply, so I was very nervous about it.

I woke up however pimple free, but my face no longer felt baby soft. So this baby soft feeling wears off in about 4 hours.

After following the schedule that comes with the system, I could feel softer skin on my face there was no denying that. But that was it. I was expecting after using this for nearly 6 months to see smaller pores, and a healthy glow. The glow is only present temporarily until the cream is absorbed fully and then the glow goes away, and it’s right back to dull face.

SCHEDULES:

One thing I disliked about this kit is that I have to follow Neutrogena’s schedule. It is recommended that I use it for 5 days straight, every night, and then skip a week. After skipping the week I should then use the system 3 times a week.

Okay, easy enough. But should I do it 3 days in a row or is that bad? Do I skip a day in between?

The instructions are sort of vague, and I really do hate taking instructions from machines. I would like to use it whenever I want, but fear the outcome if I don’t follow instructions.

So like a diet and exercise plan, I’m now on a face plan as well. Bah!

Warnings:

If you experience irritation or discomfort, use less frequently. If irritation continues, consult your dermatologist.

Sheesh, that’s good to know… but I’m sure there are plenty of folks out there like me that don’t have a dermatologist.

But wait, that’s okay, Neutrogena gives you a number to call. How nice of them. 1-877-399-2525. I bet they’ll tell you to call a dermatologist, or discontinue use all together.

That would be the brightest of solutions. I don’t know why Neutrogena would recommend using it less frequently. Any normal person is going to either throw it or, or ask for a refund.

Overall:

The system does work; I’ll give it that. However the glowing soft results last for only about 4 hours, and does not give and long term permanent benefit to the skin. My fine lines are still just as visible as they were when I bought the machine, my pores are the exact same size…I know; I’ve been studying this big one I have like crazy!

Recmmendation:

If you don’t mind having only a 4-hour change then skip this one. It’s really a huge waste of time, and money.

STAR BREAK DOWN:

1 star for making my skin soft
2 stars for not making me break out

-1 for the temporary results
-1 for the mess it causes, even after using less cream
-1 for the crazy scheduling instructions

3 out of 5.

Lush, Sultana of Soap

As you probably already can see. I love Lush. Sometimes though it is a hit or miss with them, and sometimes you find something that you know you will purchase time and time again.

My all time favorite soap by Lush goes to Sultana!


Sultana of Soap that is:

On the lush.com website it looked inviting, and reminded me of a cut of chocolate chip cheesecake. But nothing of the sort was actually in it. There are chunks of apricots, currents, and cranberries according to the site.

You too may obtain some Sultana on the website for only $4.95 which is actually pretty cheap when it comes to Lush soaps. I was nervous thinking that perhaps this stuff was garbage seeing how it’s price was so low and I was still getting the normal Lush 3.5oz bar.

You can also grab the same soap up at any local Lush if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby. At the store you can obtain an even larger piece if you desire. Sultana is handmade soap that originally gets cut from a giant ‘mother’ block.

STICKY ICKY ICKY…

That’s right; Sultana soap came a little messy. It was not melted, but even if I touched it it felt as if it were melting under my fingertips. This made me nervous, because if it was melting just from the heat of my fingers, I wondered how it would withstand a warm shower.

Usually I cut all of my Lush soaps into sample-sized chunks so I can save the rest. (In a cool dry place or the fridge). My Sultana looked nothing like it did on the website, for one, my soap was a regular square shaped piece of soap. It was a lovely tan whitish color; on the top of the bar I could detect pieces of fruits, and swear mine had some sort of nuts in it.

Stinky, I love you Stinky!

Oh did she smell, but lovely. I was in love with the scent, and this is why I had to give Sultana a try before bothering with the rest of my goods in the order. I could definitely detect a slight refreshing scent of apricots.

I didn’t smell any cranberry or current. It smelled like apricots mixed with almonds. I know almonds aren’t even in the mix of the goods, but I swear mine had nuts, and this very well could have accidentally been added into my soap.
Well I’m glad for the mishap. I enjoyed the scent.

SHOWER TIME!!!

I took a piece of a sample cut into the shower with me expecting it to melt the moment humidity hit the air from my hot water. However it sat in the soap dish just fine while I did the whole hair thing.

I rubbed the bar all around my body and was surprised by it’s fast acting lather. It was not a sudsy bubbly lather, but it was a creamy lotion like one, which was different and not bad at all.

I got a good scrubbing out of the sample piece, and then towards the near end I could feel scratchy particles, which I guess, were supposed to exfoliate. However the scratchy feeling was not really hard enough to really exfoliate anything. I didn’t mind. I hate exfoliation particles in my soap.

However I sort of got skeeved when the soap began to release these shavings of nuts or apricots, (whatever they were?) to my skin. Not only that raisins… yes raisins, (not dried up cranberries as Lush describes) were falling to the floor.

In my sample piece there were only 2 in the soap, but I honestly had no idea why Lush added them? There was no way in hell these raisins were going down the drain. So I had to pick them up.

Sultana could be a messy headache, if you happen to bring in the whole bar and have this gunk flinging to the floor. 2 raisins in my shower floor were not bad, but I couldn’t imagine what it’d look like if you brought the whole 3.5oz bar in with you.

All in all though my Sultana sample sized cut lasted for the majority of the shower, and my cut was actually bigger than what I needed.

After:

My skin did feel slightly moisturized after using Sultana, but it was nothing huge. What was huge though for me, and always a major plus was the scent that lasted and lasted on my skin throughout the day. I was in heaven with myself.
The almond apricot scent stood with me, and this is why I love Lush, and keep coming back for more.

Overall:

Sultana Of Soap is another product from Lush than I can happily say I will be reordering over and over again. I wish they’d leave out the messy raisins though, seeing how they do nothing but fall from the soap leaving a mess behind on the floor.

Recommended?

Oh yeah, Sultana is a keeper. I’d recommend it, but I’m off to buying it all. Mine! All mine! None for you! Mine! Mine! Mine!