08.31.09
Dove Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser
I’m always on the search for the perfect cleanser for my oily, sensitive skin so I was pretty excited when I saw Dove’s Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser at the drugstore. I knew I had to give it a try.
First off, I really like the packaging. Because everyone is going on vacation or heading out for a weekend away during the summer, the flip top lid is perfect for putting in your suitcase – you don’t have to worry about it getting all over the place.
I found that this cleanser left my face feeling clean – it got all the makeup off – without stripping my skin of it’s moisture. You can’t go wrong with that. I also liked that it didn’t have a fragrance. It’s kind of nice not being bombarded with yet another smell while getting ready in the morning. I really only needed a small amount to clean my face – it lasted longer than I thought it would.
Available at your local drugstore for $10.
Image: amazon.com
11.11.08
Freeman Cucumber Facial Peel Off Mask
I actually bought this awhile ago and I’ve been putting off reviewing it. I’ve been hoping that I would end up liking it more the more I used it, but that’s just not the case with this mask.
First off it takes what seems like forever to dry. I’m always careful not to put too much and to put it on evenly cause I know how long it takes to dry, but it still seems like it takes a long time to dry, longer than the 5 to 10 minutes recommended.
Second, you have to be extremely careful not to get it in your eyebrows or else it really hurts to take off. It almost feels like your pulling the hair off. Not a good feeling when you’re trying to pamper yourself.
Once it’s off though my face does feel extremely soft and clean. I really like the smell of it too. Overall this isn’t going to be my go to mask, but I will use it when my skin feels like it needs an extra deep clean.
Available at your local drugstore for $5.
Image: freemanbeauty.com
11.04.08
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer
I have to apologize for the lack of posts over the last few days. I was out of town over the weekend (what an amazing weekend it was!) and yesterday I was recovering. Who knew that a couple games of dodgeball and a game of capture the pool noodles (flag) could make a person so sore?
Last time I was browsing for a new moisturizer I decided on Neutrogena. At the time I bought it I was breaking out. Not much fun. I’ve never had problems with Neutrogena products making breakouts worse, so I that fact made up my mind for me.
First off you don’t need a whole lot of this product to moisturize your face, a little really does go a long way. I’ve been using it for quite awhile now and it’s not even half gone yet. Second, it’s absorbed into your skin amazingly fast. I don’t like going to bed with the feeling of something on my face, but I’ve never put my head on my pillow with it still on the surface of my skin. Thirdly, the formula isn’t too thick. It provides the moisture my skin needs without feeling too goopy. One of the best things about it is that it has an SPF of 30. Because of my fair skin I’m a little obsessed with making sure I’m protected from the sun and I love the sun protection in it.
Although it’s a little pricey, I think it’s well worth it.
Available at your local drugstore for $20.
Image: neutrogena.ca
10.23.08
Softlips Lip Balm in Strawberry Sherbet
Bailey
I was in the market for a new lip balm because my adorable dog chewed on my Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm. He loves chewing on them because he’s tempted by the smell, and he knows he’s not supposed to, but he just can’t help himself. How can I stay mad at such an adorable face?
So after checking out all the available choices at Shopper’s, I finally decided on Softlips Lip Balm in Strawberry Sherbet. I thought the flavor sounded delicious and I really like the fact that it has an SPF of 20. With my fair skin I’m always conscientious of ensuring I’m protected from those pesky UVA/UVB rays.
When I got home I put it on and was surprised to feel my lips getting really tingly. Then it got even worse, so bad in fact that it was almost painful. Unfortunately I’m allergic to one of the ingredients. I’m not sure which one it is, but I’m definately allergic to it. I’ve had a similar reaction to a plumping lip gloss at Sephora – I don’t remember what it was – but even that tingly feeling wasn’t as bad as the reaction from this lip balm. I have sensitive skin and have to be careful about what cosmetics I use and even the laundry detergent I buy, but I’ve never had this level of reaction from a lip product.
Although I would have loved to really like this product, I can’t even wear it. It smells great, has SPF in it, and I love the shape – skinnier and longer than a typical lip balm.
Available at your local drugstore for $5.
Image: mine
10.21.08
CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Liquid Foundation
I picked up CoverGirl’s Aqua Smoothers Liquid Foundation at Walmart awhile ago. I was there to pick up some other stuff but once again the cosmetics area drew me it like it does almost every time I go there.
The CoverGirl websites touts that this vitamin enriched formula will last for hours while still being lightweight. This foundation is fragrance free, oil free (great for those of us with oily skin),won’t clog pores, and is hypoallergenic. It’s available in 12 different shades.
But after wearing it for awhile, I have to say that I’m not too impressed with it. Although it was the right shade for my skin it still didn’t look quite right – kind of ashy. It just didn’t look very natural. Although I didn’t think it was too greasy, I found the formula to be a little too watery. I tried mixing it with a little moisturizer and it ended up not working at all. Usually mixing liquid foundation with moisturizer isn’t a problem – but this one was just too watery.
Although this foundation was pretty inexpensive I wouldn’t buy it again. I usually finish using up product, even if I haven’t totally loved it, but I haven’t used this one in a couple weeks. I just don’t like the color or the consistency.
Available at your local drugstore.
Image: shopping.com
10.20.08
Quo Makeup Brush Cleaner
I’ve been using Quo’s Makeup Brush Cleaner for the last little while and I’m really liking it. It’s made with Tea Tree Oil which helps to prevent bacteria from growing. It also cleans natural or synthetic brushes so you don’t have to worry about which kind of brush you buy. The scent isn’t too overbearing either.
I clean my brushes weekly. I’m a little obsessive with making sure that my makeup, applicators, and brushes aren’t germy.
One of the best things about it is that it’s affordable, which means (at least in my head) that I’m more likely to use it every week to clean my brushes rather than hoarding and saving it cause it was expensive and I want to get as much use out of it as I can.
Available at your local Shopper’s Drug Mart.
Image: shoppersdrugmart.ca
10.17.08
Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser
When I saw this cleanser at the store I was impressed with the claim of being able to make pores appear smaller. Who doesn’t want their pores smaller? However, after using almost all of it I had to say I haven’t noticed a difference in the appearance of my pore size. I’m kind of disappointed.
But in general I really liked this cleanser. I have pretty sensitive skin and I guess I didn’t read the back properly but when I used it for the first time I found out it has microbeads. Usually microbeads and my skin don’t make for a great combination, but these ones didn’t irritate my skin.
I sometimes have trouble with cleansers really drying out my skin, but once again, I didn’t have this problem. My face always felt really clean after washing it but never tight or dry.
The scent was great too. I found it to be light but it still smelled good too. It’s not too overwhelming in the morning after you’ve just woken up like some products.
Available at your local drugstore.
Image: neutrogena.ca
07.24.08
Body Shop Bronzer
I really like this bronzer from The Body Shop. It blends really well into my skin, which is a must considering how fair I am. It looks completely natural, not at all orange-y. It makes my skin look sun kissed. You really can’t go wrong with that. And has a matte finish, so it won’t leave your skin looking shiny either.
Apply bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit – your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin and blend well. Make sure you don’t have too much on your brush when you put it on. It’s always better to be on the safe side and add more rather than trying to deal with too much. Apply with a large brush like a kabuki to get an even finish.
It’s available in two shades and goes for $18.50 at The Body Shop.
Image: thebodyshop-ca.stores.yahoo.net
06.25.08
Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
I recently picked up a bottle of this at my local Shopper’s Drug Mart and I have to say that I’ve fallen in love with it over the last couple weeks. I will never again use a toner with alcohol in it again. I had always thought that to get my skin as clean as it could get I needed something with alcohol in it, but this product proves that that isn’t the case.
One of my favorite things about it is it’s scent. First off it doesn’t stink of alcohol. Secondly it has a great refreshing smell that I’ve been racking my brain trying to place, but I just can’t. Anyways, I really like the smell of it.
It also does a great job of getting rid of dirt and oil, all the while being gentle for my sensitive skin. You really can’t go wrong with this toner.
Available at drugstores for $6.
Image: neutrogena.ca
06.13.08
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
This was my first Stila product and overall I have to say that I’m pretty happy with it. I found it easy to apply with my fingers and blend. My skin felt very moisturized while I was wearing it. But I was a little disappointed about the coverage, although it did help to even out my skin tone. Although the bottle might not look big there is a lot of product in it. I wanted it to provide more coverage than it did. Stila also has a SPF 30 version, which I haven’t tried but I think would be great for the summer when you’re spending more time outdoors for better sun protection.
Available at Sephora for about $40.
Image: sephora.com
