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Spring beauty reviews

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I haven't tried a ton of new beauty products recently due to time and budget, but I thought I'd post my quick reviews.

OGX Coconut Milk shampoo & conditioner (drugstore.com)
Just started trying these and so far I like them. The scent is nice and they seem to cleanse without stripping.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair hydrating serum (Sephora)
Saw this on a blog (Franish, I think) and thought I’d give it a try because I wanted a bit more moisture in my morning routine. I like it alone but it seems to react negatively with my foundation, making the foundation clump a bit and get ‘stuck’ in my pores. Not sure if it’s the serum or the foundation that’s the reason, but I’m not sure what to do with it now, since I already have an evening routine with other products.

Pixi Glow Tonic (Target)
This was the hot new product being discussed on all the beauty forums recently. It’s a toner with 5% glycolic acid. When I’ve used leave-on products with AHAs before, they’ve been too strong and caused irritation. So I thought a toner option might work better for me. So far I like it and the scent is nice. I suspect that using it twice a day is too much for me, and I should stick to just once a day.

CeraVe facial moisturizing lotion PM (Ulta)
My evening moisturizing was pretty heavy for winter, creams and oils and such, and I wanted to try a lighter option for the warmer months. I love my CeraVe cleanser and so I decided to give this a try, which has ceramides which are supposed to be anti-aging as well as reduce dark spots. So far so good and it hasn't caused any breakouts.

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution lipstick in Sheer Shame (raspberry pink) (Ulta)
This was a one-day 50% off deal at Ulta, and I prefer sheer lip colors so I thought I’d give it a try. They didn’t have all the colors left to choose from, so I might have gone for a lighter shade otherwise, but I really like the formulation and how it lasts without feeling dry.

What about you - what new products have you tried and liked?

General

30 replies

Latest reply was from kerry

rabbit

Veteran

Thanks for the reviews!

Let's see, I went on a bit of ULTA trial binge lately.

What didn't work as well:

NYX HD studio primer (better than nothing, but doesn't create poreless face and eye makeup still tends to creep under eyes a bit)

Two Faced Hangover replenishing Face Primer - smells great, but not that great at pore minimizing, and under eye concealer/makeup didn't stay perfect, nose was a little shiny. I don't wear foundation, but wear Mac liquid concealer in places and light aveda powder.

Too Faced brow gel (clear) - my brows resisted the tame unless I added enough that they looked wet - nah.

What did work:

Smashbox Photo Finish light primer - great for concealer/light powder staying put and flawless all day and pore minimization (including on the nose where I don't wear any other makeup).

Too Faced Brow Lift - a pale nude highlighting pencil, I use to line my inner lower lid (like Jules' white liner), as well as on brow bone. Works well, goes on smooth, and lasts.

NYX Eyebrow shaper - kind of a clear wax/pomade pencil - did keep my brows in place, plus brown eye shadow with a small brush sticks to it somewhat if I want to do a very light tint or fill in.

lipsticks:

MAC velvetease lip pencil in Just Add Romance. A nice matte opaque mid-tone saturated bright red in a broad pencil that was easy to apply over entire lip. Lasts super long. Great with white and blush clothes.

Maybelline - vivid matte liquid in Orange shot. Smells weird, and is liquid so needs to be applied carefully, but it dries to a very matte and opaque, very deep/saturated red/orange. (slightly oranger than the MAC above). Worked even though usually I'm cool tones only because of how deep the color is. Also long lasting. Definitely a 'statement' lip. Good with navy clothes.

Shampoo/conditioner - Joico K-Pak Color Therapy shampoo and conditioner. Expensive at my salon, but sold at Marshalls for half price, yay. My colored hair is happy and shiny with smooth body.

Aha moment -- finally gave up on various pencil and marker eyeliners which dry up on me or skip and I have to go over the line several times and went with small brush and long-lasting powder. With the nude inner liner I mentioned above I now can do a faint lower lash line and/or mascara lower lashes as well as upper ones with my eyes looking bigger rather than smaller. (This is first, I usually just did my upper lid before now).

Anonymous

i'm liking these three products - photos below - right now : a mascara and eyeliner from Benefit, and a foundation /concealer from Clinique. All three were bought as sample sizes from Sephora in that deadly section near the check-out

I like all three enough to buy full sizes moving forward. And in a move toward cleansers free of chemicals and not tested on animals, I'm using and quite liking a gel cleanser from Pacifica. Will also repeat this.

And Laura : I'm a big fan of the UD Sheer Rev lipstick and have two colours in steady use.

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Colette

Veteran

I've been sampling Laura Mercier Radiance Primer in place of my tinted SPF that is supposed to be universal but I finally realized is too dark for me. It has a bit of tint to it and I've been layering it over my regular SPF and really like it. Even though I do need a full coverage foundation I don't wear it but do like a little boost for my skin.

I'm going to try the Benefit Mascara Lisa recommended because I'm desperate for a mascara that works and lasts longer than a few uses before it gets clumpy. Just threw out an IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes mascara after two uses. I would have tossed it after the first use but I felt bad because my Mom gave it to me so I gave it a second try.

'Radiance' Foundation Primer (1 oz.)

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Murph11

Veteran

I needed to replace my sensitive skin SPF 30 and was hoping for my favorite Estée Lauder product, but it was discontinued :-(. Two EL sales associates raved about this Paula's Choice moisturizer. The tint is a bit more than I'd like, but I think I'll get used to it.

'Resist' Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

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deb

Veteran

I just tried the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. I am also trying out the Cane & Austin pads. I used the Cane & Austin the other day right before I put on my makeup and my skin looked wonderful and my makeup was so smooth.

Last month I ordered a Japanese foundation on a whim and love it, ONE by KOSE Water-Luxe Gel Creme Foundation. I apply it with a flat brush, not the sponge.

Saturday I went looking for mascara and bought the Mally volumizing mascara from Ultra. It is the best mascara I have used in a long time.

Joy

Veteran

Your post reminded me that during this dry winter I have been using CeraVe moisturizer as a facial cleanser when I accidentally grabbed it instead of the cleanser once. My sensitive skin has not had any problems but feels soft.
Thank you for the reviews.

catgirl

Veteran

The First Aid face cream reminded me of Noxema -it didn't really absorb for me.

I feel like I could go off the deep end with beauty products although I don't tend to branch out, so I have to remind myself not to lose control at Sephora and Ulta.

chirico (Chiara)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the reviews.
Regarding the Ulta face serum incompatibility with foundation: this happen when one of the two is silicon-based and the other water based. I am guessing the serum is silicon-based since silicon when driyng shrinks and gives the illusioni of a mini facelift (simplistic explanation, I know, but I traded my cosmetic chem class for molecular spectroscopy...).
No solutions other than switching one of the two. Maybe you can use the serum at night when your current products are finished.

Style Fan

Veteran

Thanks for the reviews. I purchased the CerVe PM moisturizer lotion and have been using it as part of my morning and evening routine. I have very sensitive skin and I have had a bad episode of eczema for the last year. The CerVa has not burnt my skin so I am happy with that. Actually the eczema seems to be getting better. Thank you however that happened.
My make up has stayed the same. I don't wear foundation or any face type make up. I have too may reactions to products. My eye make up is MAC, mascara is Lancôme, blush is Smashbox and MAC, lipstick is Smashbox and NARS. It never changes.

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Staysfit

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I recently started using Jane Iredale full coverage BB mineral cream foundation in Glow Time. I don't need full coverage, so a little goes a long way. It doesn't aggravate rosacea, blends well and lasts all day. i also use their mascara and mascara primer which have the most natural look I have found, and they it comes in a brown black.

I tried Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Calming Wash. I also have tried Dove Sensitive Skin nourishing body wash. I think the Cetaphil may have moisturized slightly better, but the Dove has a nicer scent (technically they are unscented but they do have scents, just not annoying ones....).

I'm a big fan of the Cerave PM that several people have mentioned. I have been using it for several years.

Oh, one last item, I found an awesome lip color. I am always hunting for the right one because my lips have a lot of pigment and most of what I try turns very dark or changes color to something I don't like. The color is called Baffled from Elea Blake. It's a perfect everyday wear color. Slightly coral pink, moisturizing, and a hint of shine.

Anonymous

I added 2 items to my skincare regime this past winter which I am excited about. The first is Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free™ Retexturizer™ Exfoliating Scrub. This is a scrub that I only use when my face feels rough and could use a good exfoliation.

The second item I added is Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum. I have never used a Vit-C serum before, but now I could not live without it. I have been using it every other night on my face, neck, décolletage, and hands (yes hands!) and it has lightened any dark spots I have (yes, even on my hands!). So after 3 months of using this serum faithfully, I and even my friends and random people have commented on how clear my skin is. I cannot explain it, but my skin is brighter and clearer and I am 59. I have not tried any other brands, so other Vitamin-C serums may work just as well, but for me this is my HG of skin care.

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catgirl

Veteran

The Exuviance bionic serum has that exact shrinking/tightening effect - will have to look to see if it is silicon based.

BrieN

Veteran

I have a bit of paranoia about my hair being brassy so I am very happy to have found Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Save Silver Shampoo. Works well to combat color change on my highlighted hair.

I've been happy with Amara Organics Retinol Cream and Alpha Hydrox AHA Creme I started using this past winter. Exfoliated, moisturized and brighter skin at great price points. Neither aggravates my rosacea troubled skin, which I consider to be a huge win.

I am interested in the Vit C review above, as that is likely the next type of product I add. Or should I say re-add. I have used a C before but it was so messy I dropped it.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Loving all these other suggestions for stuff to try! Lisa, I've definitely got more shades of the UD lipstick on my wishlist now. Colette, I've heard good things about the Becca shimmering skin perfector if you want to try something other than the LM. I use the regular LM tinted moisturizer as my everyday foundation and really like it.

Joy, that's not a bad idea using the lotion as cleanser - cleansing balms are all the rage right now anyway (the return of cold cream, i.e. everything old is new again). Chiara, I suspect you're right about the serum - I recycled the box with the ingredient list already, but it has that silicone slip to it. I have such a hard time finding foundations that are pink enough and don't break me out, so I'll have to figure out something to do with the serum.

I tried a vitamin C serum from Mad Hippie brand but didn't really like it - it was so strong it made my skin red. I've heard good things about the Ole Henriksen vitamin C serum, though; it's the next one I want to try.

Anonymous

I love these posts, Laura. Thank you.

Keix

Veteran

I've been using Cerave PM facial moisturizer for years--I like it, but found it was too light for me this winter, so I'll have to find something more moisturizing for next year. We're moving quickly into summer now in California and it's already feeling better (i.e. my face is feeling less dry when I get out of the shower).

Thanks for the review of the First Aid serum; I was considering that one this winter but never got around to trying it at Sephora, and then the dry spell passed.

For spring I've just started using Simple micellar water from Target, to remove daily sunscreen in hopes that my pores will be less clogged. (I have eczema-prone but not especially sensitive skin that is triggered by stress and has never broken out from a product, although I never wear any base makeup.) And I'm still loving the new Dior Addict lipstick I bought at the end of last year in a spring-y color ("power," a pink coral).

Lately I've been really stressed and my skin is accordingly unhappy. I'm looking for a cooling/rehydrating mask or serum of some sort to perk myself up.

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water 6.7 oz

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Dior 'Addict' Hydra-Gel Core Mirror Shine Lipstick

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Gigi

Veteran

It's nice to see that others spend quite a bit of time in the beauty aisle too, checking out new stuff. Thanks for the reviews, Laura!

I've been really excited about the Jane Iredale lash primer/conditioner that I got about a month ago. Staysfit mentioned it. I bought it on a whim. I got it home and almost didn't even open it--I thought that my money would probably be better spent elsewhere than on something as apparently pointless as lash primer. Boy, was I wrong! This stuff makes my lashes look SO long, and it makes my lashes really grippy, so I need hardly any mascara. My lashes look almost fake by the time I'm done with the mascara. Definitely one of my best purchases ever.

I've also really been enjoying the RMS metallic eyeshadow that I got (RMS is a natural makeup company). I got it in Solar, which is like a bronzy gold. It is amazing! It is great for glamming up for evenings. It stays put very well. It was one of my "fun" purchases, for dressing up.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

KL, this winter I was switching off between Midnight Recovery oil from Kiehl's (really works, but I don't love the scent) and Eucerin redness relief soothing night creme. The latter was a skin saver for me when I was traveling in the winter and the combination of the dry air and the cold made me look like I had permanent windburn.

kkards

Veteran

KL-I thought I was the last one to start using micellar water --I'm using the Garnier brand...love it. cannot believe how well it work to remove makeup, were has this been all my life? and after years of being happy with dry store moisturizers, I found my way back to Clinique about 2 months ago, proving, once again, that Mom does know best. very interested in the Vit C...will check out those recommendations

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water - 13.5 oz

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'Dramatically Different' Moisturizing Lotion+

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rabbit

Veteran

Gigi that lash primer sounds like something I should try, what mascara do you use over it?

I've been using Benefit roller lash, which did work well to thicken and lengthen, and did curl my lashes, but is now getting a little clumpy, it might just be time for a new bottle, it's been a few months.

Anonymous

I'm using up a bottle of the Ole H Vit C serum right now, and although I like it well enough, it is turning my skin an odd shade of orange. This has happened before with this stuff and I had forgotten about it until this current round of usage. I'm on a mission to at least try and if not use up, every single sample of everythingI have from every kit and bonus pts deal from Sephora. And I have a lot - a whole large makeup bag full But what's with the serum turning my skin a fake tan colour?

And kkards, no, you're not the last person in North America to be using micellar water - that would be me. I have had samples of it, and even bought a nice big bottle , but I have no idea what to do with it. Am I using it as a makeup remover, and THEN using a cleanser afterward?

Meredith

Veteran

I've subscribed to a vegan beauty box (Petit Vour) and am having so much fun trying new types of products and brands. On the topic of vitamin C, I highly recommend the serum by Drunk Elephant. Their entire range is great.

Anonymous

I've been wearing Jane Iredale makeup for years - doesn't clog my pores or aggravate my sensitive skin. I agree that her lash primer/conditioner is awesome. Almay waterproof mascara is my fav. Covergirl eyeliner is ok but I'd like something better. I really like Dessert Essence cleanser for removing makeup; Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for morning. Dove body wash for sensitive skin, Free & Clear lotion for face and body. In hopes of fading some skin discoloration and improving my skin tone, I just bit the bullet & bought Serious Skin Care Vitamin C and Vitamin A pads. Will see how that goes.

Gigi

Veteran

Rabbit, I use the Jane Iredale Longest Lash mascara in Black Ice.

I wouldn't say that the lash primer curls my lashes, if you are looking for a product that does that too. I curl mine with an eyelash curler first, and then I apply the primer, then the mascara. And you can't wear the primer alone, unless you have really light-colored eyelashes, like a blond. The fibers that are deposited by the primer (to lengthen the lashes) are light colored, so they look strange unless you cover them with mascara.

deb

Veteran

kkards, I have been faithfully using the Clinique lotion since the 70's when it first came out. may daughter also uses it. I have tried others but nothing beats the Clinique. I am using the CeraVe PM moisturizer as hand lotion until it is gone because I cannot stand the smell of it. Not sure what is in it but it smells rotten to me.

Colette

Veteran

I'm afraid I'm the last one to use micellar water. I've never even heard of micellar water, where the heck I have I been? I'll be trying it soon. And checking out the JI mascara primer and Becca skin perfecter.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Wow, lots of great info here, thanks all! I tend to stick with the same products for a looooong time, so recommendations for new things can be good.

I do wonder if anyone has any suggestions for products to help crepey skin -- I must be hitting the big M in a serious way, because all of a sudden my arms are looking scary.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I've been using the Good Things Argon Perfecting Facial Oil for a few months now, cheap as chips and appears to work http://www.goodthingsbeauty.co.....l-oil.html

retailgirl

Veteran

I've used Clinique dramatically different lotion for years but now I'm using the cream in a jar...much better, richer, I love it. Only wish it had an spf.

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