The Glamour Guide Beauty Blog

ULTRA BLAND? Unfortunately.

 

I am such a LUSH girl!  I love their handmade products and the fact that they are preservative free as possible.  In Ultra Bland, I thought I had found it all: makeup remover and facial cleanser.  It is color and fragrance free, and is said to wipe away everything - even permanent marker.  The sales associate even told me that it could be used to remove stubborn labels.

So I decided that I needed to have a jar of this stuff.  It does take makeup off, and it does so relatively well.  But no better than your average cold cream. What I hated the most about this product was the thick, greasy residue it leaves behind.  This is my pet peeve.  I don't like to use one thing to remove my makeup and then have to use something else to remove the remover!  The residue Ultra Bland leaves behind makes it not worth using.

I am disappointed in this product.  At $29.95,  it's a complete waste of money.  I can find a much better makeup remover for the same amount  - probably less.  I also had no luck with stubborn labels... 

Girlie Guide Rating: D

LIVE GLORIOUSLY. LIVE GLAMOUROUSLY.

 

(PHOTO Courtesy of Lush .com)

Foundation Found! Finally!

     Let me introduce you to my new favorite beauty product: Smashbox's High Definition Healthy FX Foundation. I have been in search of the right foundation for a long time.  And finally, I got a hit after many misses.

    Gotta give love to Smashbox for making foundations in darker shades! I chose Dark D2, which is the shade shown above. It is a nearly perfect match for my skin.

     This foundation is a liquid, and I tend to be suspicious of liquid makeup. The only downside of this makeup is that if you don't use it for awhile it can separate just slightly.  Nothing that rubbing your fingers together will not remedy.

     What sets this foundation apart is the coverage.  It is a buildable foundation. You can get only as much coverage as you need.  This is key because I need minimal coverage.  I can use foundation and have a flawless finish without looking too made-up. Finally! A foundation that offers minimal coverage.

     I am very pleased with the finish that I can achieve using the foundation.  I can get just the right amount of coverage, and the color is spot on.  If you need minimal coverage from a foundation, or need variable coverage, check this one out.  

Girlie Guide Rating: A

LIVE GLORIOUSLY. LIVE GLAMOUROUSLY.

 

Nutriganics Smoothing Mask - For those who love to mask!

One thing about me, I love good mask.  There’s just nothing like slathering on a nice mask, letting it dry, and looking to see now it cracks when you finally do move your face.  Or to see how much oil it has absorbed.

 

Mask lovers, listen up!  The Body Shop has a the NUTRIGANICS line, which contains organic ingredients and focuses on smoothing skin.  The Smoothing Mask is a great deep cleanser that isn’t over-drying.

According to The Body Shop, this mask is best used to treat your skin and help boost radiance.  It is a deep-cleansing mask that leaves skin feeling silky and smooth.  Community Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil smoothes and revitalizes skin.  Organic mallow flower from Switzerland, Community Trade organic sugar from Paraguay and Community Trace organic olive oil from Italy moisturize and soften skin.  Organic buddleja and thyme from Switzerland help protect the skin.  Damask rose, geranium, thyme, fennel and orange essential oils have been blended together to create a gentle scent.

As a lover of the mask, this is pretty good.  The smell is comforting, like the ground after a nice rain.  The only drawback is that it could clean a little deeper.  Definitely worth a try.

 

Girlie Guide Rating: B+

LIVE GLORIOUSLY.  LIVE GLAMOUROUSLY.

Eye Hope is my Philosphy

 

Everybody needs a little hope.  Eye Hope is an all in one wonder that fights against all things unsightly: eye puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.  

Eye hope moisturizes without being goopey.  I do not feel that I have to do an excessive amount of rubbing to get the cream to absorb.  Once applied, there is a feeling of tightening and firming.  It doesn't burn, but you can tell that it's doing something. 

A couple of nice things about Eye Hope: First, it is completely unscented.  Second, a little goes a very long way.  Usually, I use only half a pump for both eyes.  I have been using this same container for at least five months. Finally, Eye Hope contains antioxidants, to it helps your skin.

Eye hope was my very first Philosophy product, but it will not be my last.

Girlie Guide Rating: B+

LIVE GLORIOUSLY. LIVE GLAMOUROUSLY.

A Month of Murad

I had been eying the Murad Acne Complex Starter Kit at Sephora for quite some time. After using the SPF 15 Mattifying Moisturizer (with great results, I might add) I decided to try the Acne kit to prevent the occasional breakout.

 

The starter kit is enough for about a month, and contains:

• 2 oz Clarfiying Cleanser
• 1 oz Clarifying Toner
• 1 oz Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
• 1 oz Skin Perfecting Lotion
• 0.25 oz Acne Spot Treatment

First, let me say that I was expecting a set of instructions, or at least a pampphlet orienting me to the products I had just purchased.  I found no such thing.  The items are numbered, but there are two items numbered #1, and two items numbered #2.  Interesting... 

Second, I have a friend who uses Murad, and she warned me that the products she used came with a warning that her skin would initially break out because it was being purged of impurities.  Mine came with  no such warning.  However, when I consulted the Sephora website for directions, I found the reviews!  Some people were having initial breakouts.  Most were very happy with the product though.

I did find a useless piece of paper telling me about Murad's differnt lines. Knowing that I could experience an initial breakout, I decide to stick with Murad for one month.  It's the price we pay for beauty, right? 

Oh my goodness!!!  The first time washed my face with it I thought I was going to cry.  It burned sooooooo bad!  I thought it was a bit harsh, but sometimes cleansers are really strong.  I decided to try the toner.  That was it.  If I was not dark skinned I'm sure I would have been bright red, the burning was so bad.  This was not a refreshing tingle, this was BURNING.  I could not take it.  I will not be using this product again because it is simply too harsh for my skin.  My Month of Murad ended after a single wash.

 

Girlie Guide Rating:     -         (adverse reaction. no rating given)

 

LIVE GLORIOUSLY. LIVE GLAMOUROUSLY.

It's Lancome Gift Time at Macy's

That’s right, it’s Lancome gift time!  The theme this time is falling in love, and I am in love with the gift. With a Lancome purchase of $32.50, you can choose six from a list of eleven fabulous products.  I chose:

• Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
• CILS Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base
• Hypnose Drama Full Body Volume Mascara
• NUTRIX Royal Body Intense Lipid Repair Cream
• High Resolution Refill - 3X  Triple Action Skin Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Cream with SPF 15 Sunscreen
• High Resolution Collaser - 5X Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum

It all came in this cute little bag!  I am most excited about the High Resolution Products.  I feel like I got quite a good deal getting those as part of a free gift.

This is a great way to try out different skin care products.  You get to try them for an extended period of time and see if t works before you pay the big bucks.  I know how upset I would be to spend $65 on the High Resolution Collaser - 5X Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum only to find that I didn’t like it. So I will try these little guys and if anything really impresses me, I will definitely blog about it!

 

Modern Friction - Love to Scrub!

Origins’ Modern Friction and I have a troubled past.  I used it when it first came out, but I was not a huge fan and I moved on to other scrubs.

Recently, I visited my Origins counter, and I was looking for a good scrub.  The representative gave me a demonstration of Modern Friction, even as I protested.  I was pleasantly surprised.  It was not as rough as I remember.  But it was almost as goopy as I remember :-(

Still, I was impressed enough to take a jar home.  It is a just the right balance of gentleness and scrubbiness.  Modern Friction leaves my face feeling soft and fresh.  The makers suggest using it 2-3 times per week on clean, dry skin.  Those with sensitive skin should massage it over moistened skin.  Add a splash of water, and voila, you have the perfect scrubbing experience!

 

Girlie Guide Rating: A

 

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously.

 

 

Even Better - Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector

 

    For four long years, Clinique has been working on a product to treat dark spots and blemishes without bleaching. Clinique’s Even Better Dark Spot Corrector combats hyperpigmentation.  Clinique claims that Even Better Dark Spot Corrector, which contains CL-302, dramatically helps reverse the appearance of dark spots, age spots, skin stresses, darkening from acne scars in 4 weeks. It is intended for all ethnicities.

    Clinique also claims that their "patent-pending approach works to keep skin looking brighter, more uniform in tone. Actually helps inhibit the appearance of uneven pigment formation. At the same time, special ingredients help break apart the appearance of existing dark spots and whisk them away through gentle exfoliation. It’s an utterly unique, multi-pronged technology that works without harsh ingredients, because we expect you’ll use it for a long time.”

    CL-302, the main ingredient, is a plant botanical that helps to break apart dark spots.  It also contains antioxidants.

    Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector is gentle enough to be used every day.  The directions call for use twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, to even out skin tone.  

    When I heard about this product, I was very skeptical.  I made several trips to the Clinique counter and to the Clinique website.  I was concerned that this product contained bleaching agents.  I was also concerned that this product was not intended for dark skin.  I was assured that this product  contained no bleach and that it was suitable for dark skin.

    I still wasn’t sure so my Clinique rep gave me a maxi-sample, which lasted me more than two weeks.  Even in that time, I began to see my skin tone even out.   At the end of time, I bought a bottle, and I have seen even more improvement.  I will definitely purchase this product again.

Girlie Guide Rating: A

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously.

Easy as 1-2-3 : Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System

    I LOVE Summer!  I love the flowers and the shining if the sun.  The shining of my face?  Not so much.  When the weather started getting warmer, I turned to Clinique’s 3-Step to help control oil.  The set comes in one formula for dry/combination skin, and one for oily/combination skin.  The elements can be purchased separately as well.

    The three steps are those that are essential to great skin:

 

Step 1 :  Cleanse

     The 3-Step offers a choice between bar soap or liquid soap.  The non-drying liquid and bar formulas maintain protective lipids, loosen surface flakes.  I must say, that I really liked the liquid soap.  It cleansed well, lathered nicely, and it wasn’t too harsh.

 
 

Step 2 : Exfoliate

    They call it “The Difference Maker.” Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion is an extra gentle  exfoliator.  It whisks away excess oil and dead skin cells before they can clog pores.  It also helps to control shine.  Over time, it can soften lines and refine pores.

    I found that the Clarifying Lotion can sometimes be a little harsh.  I’d like to see more exfoliation, as well.  I think that from time to time I need an old fashioned exfoliation with tiny particles.

 

Step 3 : Moisturize

    Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel is the perfect blend of lightweight and moisturizing. Clinique describes it as “the moisture ‘drink’ all skins need, developed by Clinique's guiding dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance. Works to soften, smooth, improve the condition and texture of your skin. Lotion formula is for drier skins; oil-free Gel is perfect for oilier skins.” 

    The Dramaticallt Different Moisturizing gel was not quite moisturizing enough.  If I applied twice, or used a really thick coat, then it did fine.

    This was my first experience with Clinique.  I was very pleased.    I like the fact that the set addresses the three areas of concern.  The set lasts about four months, so I felt like it was a good value.  Overall, I feel like the set was very good for my skin.

Girlie Guide Rating: B+

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously. 

The Second Saturday Smackdown! - Shiseido Tinted Moisturizer vs. Bliss Best of Skintentions

It’s The Second Saturday Smackdown!

On the Second Saturday of every month, I will throw two products, or product groups, into the ring to see which one comes out on top.  It’s a knock down, drag out, fight to the death!  Ok, not really, but it is a brutally honest comparison.

Tonight’s competitors:

Shiseido  The Skincare

 Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 Sunscreen

(Color: 4 [deep])

vs

Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

• With the Shiseido brand name power, Tinted Moisture Protection is heavily favored to win this bout.  Tinted Moisture Protection strikes with a one-two-three combination: moistuizer, sunscreen, and and a touch of color to even out the skin-tone.   This one product could serve as moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation.  A triple threat... (great applause from the crowd)

•     Shiseido’s combo fails miserably!  It goes onto the skin and dries almost instantly.  Great that it doesn’t give a shiny finish, but this also means that it doesn’t spread.  Getting full coverage of the face is nearly impossible.  Wherever I can manage to get the stuff, the skin glows, and not in a good way.  I look ashen, like a ghost, and it is not pretty.

 

•     Bliss’s Best of Skintentions strikes hard and fast with a lotion-sunscreen combo that goes on smooth and creamy.  When absorbed, it is virtually invisible.  It gives a flawless finish every time and Shiseido cannot compete.  

•     But what’s this?  Shiseido rises and takes one more shot at Bliss’ Skintentions.  When combined with a regular moisturizer, the Shiseido is actually spreadable.  However, the problem of the ashen complexion is much more difficult to remedy.   A tiny amount added to regular moisturizer will give a nice finish.  

    

Shiseido’s product is a great concept, but poorly executed.  It is pictured on the left.  The Bliss Skintentions is actually on the right, beneath the white line.

 

THE WINNER: 

BLISS’ BEST OF SKINTENTIONS DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 15

Shiseido  The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection

Retails for $37

Girlie Guide Rating: D

Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

Retails for $35

Girlie Guide Rating: A

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously. 

NutriMin C Reactivating Serum = Eeew-triMin Serum

    I can't help it: I am a bargain shopper.  I love to get the best deal - on everything.  While researching skin care, I found a Vitamin C serum from MD Skincare.  I was very interested, but at $90 a bottle, I hesitated.  A few days later I went to an Arbonne party and could barely contain my excitement when I realized that they, too had a Vitamin C serum. And only $45!  I had such high hopes for this one.  Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Arbonne NutriMin C REactivating Serum

 

    The Arbonne NutriMin C REactivating Serum is a part of the anti-aging line at Arbonne.  Arbonne, a Swiss company, is all about natural products.  Imagine how excited I was to try  their products, especially this one.  It’s a serum that delivers vitamin C, and all its lovely antioxidants, to your skin.  

Well, maybe it does. It had a goopy texture, and did not absorb well, so I never wanted to use it.  I did use it because I refused to waste the money I spent on it.  Though I used it pretty regularly, I didn’t see a difference.  Maybe it’s one of those things that you have to use for a long time before you see a difference.  I won’t find out because I won’t be using it again.  I do believe in antioxidants for your skin.  I do believe that vitamin C is important for skin.  But I’m going to find another way to get it!

There were also some packaging issues.  The serum sometimes sprayed out like a firehose!  If I wasn’t careful, it got all over my vanity and/or my floor.  I felt that, overall, the packaging of this product was substandard.  I will not be purchasing this product again.

Available at: www.arbonne.com

Girlie Guide Rating: F

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously.

New Product! Murad Oil Mattifier SPF 15

Guess what?!?!

I fave found a great sunscreen for the face.  African American ladies, this is great news for you!  I tried Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15.

The Murad Oil Mattifier is relatively new, and is designed to control oil, protect against UVA/UVB rays, and leave you with a matte finish. I was very skeptical when I saw it.  As an AfricanAmerican woman, sunscreen and I have a troubled relationship.  Too often sunscreen makes me glow - and not in a good way.  It makes me look like a ghost.

So I tried it. I was impressed when it did not turn me white.  It blended very well.  It also left a nice, matte finish. Murad Oil Mattifier is not too thick, and has a mild spicy smell.  It retails for $39, but I was very impressed by it.

Give it a try!

www.sephora.com, www.murad.com, www.ulta.com

Girlie Guide Rating: A

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously. 

Enlightenment?

  

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

    Every Girl needs an eye cream.  I happen to need an eye cream that improves dark circles.  It’s got to moisturize as well.  So I thought I had reached nirvana when I discovered Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment.  It is formulated with the Dark Circle Targeting Complex and multi-luminizing powder.  It prevents dark circles by improving micro-circulation and discoloration.  The combination of  the dark circle targeting and luminizing powder treat dark circles sounded like the path to bliss.

Disappointment is what I found instead. This product has a slight brightening effect.  This was one of the first Shiseido I’ve gotten to try.  I started using this product about July of 2009.  As of April 2010, I’ve been using it for 9 months, hoping that the brightening would take effect eventually.   

This product is good for moisturizing.  I can see it being useful for preventing bags and crows feet resulting from dry skin.  But the dark circle targeting complex misses the mark.  I don’t feel that it does anything to improve dark circles - long term or short term.  The luminizing powder does not luminize.  It does not brighten at all.  I don’t feel that it makes much difference. 

So if a good moisturizer is what you’re looking for, this might be good for you, but I think you can do better. For $54, I was expecting much better.  The quest for enlightenment continues...

Purchased at Macy’s

It retails for $52.00 ( .54 oz)

Girlie Glamour Rating:  C-

Live Gloriously. Live Glamourously.