Friday, November 19, 2010

Skincare - Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel

As my 26th birthday looms in just a few weeks, signs of aging on my face has become more of a concern for me than it ever has before.  I can see the beginnings of fine lines around my eyes, crows feet, forehead wrinkles, and a few age spots that weren't there just a few years ago.  I also have always struggled with spot acne and clogged pores - millia and whiteheads - especially on my cheeks and around my eyes.  I occasionally get acne, and since I have fair skin sometimes the spots leftover can last for months.  I have been trying for years to rid myself of these spots and get the coveted perfect skin that some people seem so lucky to possess naturally.  I am currently testing out Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel ($30/10 applications or $85/30) which hopefully will help me address some of these issues.

From the website:  An extra-strength version of our patented #1-selling Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel on pre-soaked cotton towelettes. Higher concentrations of Alpha Beta® Acids plus newly added anti-aging boosters, including Mandelic Acid and Willow Bark Extract, deliver a stronger peel without risk of irritation or recovery time.

Best suited for stubborn skin conditions that have not responded favorably to other anti-aging treatments.

So what's the story?
Use - I have the 10 application pack, which includes 10 packs of 2 small towelettes - the first one is applied all over the face and neck until the pad is dry.  After waiting for 2 minutes, the second towelette is applied in the same manner.  The first pad has a slightly chemical smell and causes the skin to feel a bit tight, but it is not unpleasant.  The second pad also smells and causes a bit of stinging and redness, which I didn't like at first but after a minute or two I think it actually feels kind of pleasant, like my skin is being energized.  I follow this up with an application of Nia 24 Rapid Exfoliating Treatment (reverses sun damage) and then follow that with Murad Energizing Pomegranate moisturizer.   

Results - I am actually excited to wake up and look at my skin in the morning!  In just 4 days time I have woken up every morning with fresh, glowing skin that looks even toned.  It seems to be slowly shrinking the whiteheads and milia on my face as well as reducing the size of my pores.  I will update this post when the full 10 days are up with my results. 
Update - after 10 tens I noticed clearer, brighter skin and more even skin tone.

Overall: A
Pros: Provides fresh and glowing skin, evens skin tone, reduces pores, exfoliates
Cons: Application takes time, redness or stinging can occur, chemical smell

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Mascara - my top picks!

Let's talk about one staple in many women's beauty arsenals - mascara!  I have had a love/hate relationship with mascara for a very long time.  I seem to find one that I love at first, only to wind up hating it halfway through its use.  Things I, and I'm sure most of us, hate : clumps, flaking, smearing, wearing off, and eye irritation.  Here's a review of the last 3 mascaras I have tried out.

1. bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara, $18
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara 

From the website: Wink, blink, and bat your eyes. With Flawless Definition Mascara, you'll enjoy every lash. The tapered wand lengthens, darkens and lifts, separating each individual lash for precision definition.





So what's the story? 

Pros: Mineral - natural
         Coats evenly
         Provides separation
         Doesn't clump
         Nice daytime shade of black 

Cons: Doesn't lift as stated
          Wears off by the end of the day - needs reapplication
          Provides minimal extra length
          Slight tendency to flake/smudge

Overall:   B  This mascara is great for natural daytime looks where you want a more toned down lash.  It does not provide much 'oomph' as far as length, darkness, or curl is concerned.  I would suggest it for someone looking for a natural mascara that defines and separates lashes for everyday use, but I would use a different mascara for a sexy nighttime look.



2. Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara, $22
Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara

From the website: Reach new heights with our drastically improved, six-in-one Skyscraper Mascara. Our innovative formula will lengthen, strengthen, separate, curl, brighten and thicken your lashes without even a hint of clumping or flaking. The state-of-the-art, new generation brush features a flexible shaft and multiple rows of tapered bristles to comb through lashes from root to tip. Skyscraper gives you that "come hither" look that gets 'em every time

So what's the story?

Pros:   Lengthens
           Provides a girly, flirty look
           No flaking or clumps
           Separates

Cons: Doesn't last all day
          Can get a bit sticky if applying more than 1 coat

Overall: A+  This is by far my favorite mascara.  I love that it actually does all it says it does.  When I curl my lashes and then use 1-2 carefully applied coats of Skyscraper, I feel like I have the girly flirty lashes I've always wanted.  I do wish it lasted a bit longer throughout the day, and it can cause lashes to stick a bit if applying more than 1 coat, but those are minor issues with an otherwise great mascara. The multi-layered wand provides nice even application and seems to help with lengthening.  I use this daily after curling and apply 2 coats for a night out.



3. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara,  $19
Benefit BADgal Lash

From the website: Why we love it: Sexy, sultry, pure unadulterated black mascara for full, voluminous lashes. It's as BAD as you want to be!  What else you need to know: Famously big, bodacious brush coats lashes with our super black formula.



So what's the story?

Pros: Lengthens/volumizes
         Not clumpy
         Provides curl
         Long lasting
         True black shade

Cons: Goopy texture
          Chemical smell


Overall: A  This is a close second on my list to Urban Decay Skyscraper.  The texture is a bit weird - when I pull the wand out of the tube it sometimes has a string of mascara that hangs off the wand, but I just brush it off on the top of the tube.  The wand itself is large and provides nice even coverage that doesn't clump.  The shade is a true dark black, almost oily looking, so it's great for a sexy Bardot look. The only other thing that puts me off is that it has a kind of chemical smell to it, but I am not sure if that is normal or if I got a bad batch.  This mascara is great for a sultry nighttime look.   
 

Revitalash! Loving my long flirty lashes!



As a polish girl, I have been blessed with short blonde lashes that do not stand out at all.  I have struggled with the lust for a long, dark, silken fringe of sexy lashes for as long as I can remember.  Finally - a miracle. 

I have been using Revitalash for about 4 months now with excellent results.  Revitalash has increased the length of my lashes and made them look fuller and flirty.  When I curl my lashes and use a great mascara, they almost look like falsies to me - and I love that!  I have read that some people experienced darkening of the irises and/or the area around the lashes after using this product, as well as increased sensitivity.  I do have sensitive eyes and regularly use Opcon-A eye drops to reduce itchiness and redness due to allergies, but I have not been bothered at all by using Revitalash.  This product is a bit pricey - about $98 for a 3 month supply or $150 for a 6 month supply (website here http://www.revitalash.com/ ) - but if you are looking for fuller, longer lashes then I would say this product is well worth it. 

After my tube of Revitalash is gone, I am moving on to try Model in a Bottle's Lash Builder, which is a new product that retails for $60 and claims to work in 2-3 weeks.  I will post a review of that vs Revitalash when the time comes!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!  I decided to start a blog because I love beauty products and makeup, and want to share that with others.  I hope you enjoy reading it!