Skincare Saturday: Rainshadow Labs HCLC Super Skin Rejuvenating Creme

We're currently in the midst of a freezing rain storm, which is awesome.

Skincare Saturday: Eczema

My skin has been oily and acne-ridden for more than a decade, and is prone to bouts of dryness from product sensitivity, but it's recently added a new grouchiness: eczema! Oh, joy. It first appeared when I used MAC Pro Longwear foundation back in November, developing dry, scaly, itchy, red, bumpy, rough, and flaking (all at once, at its worst) patches along the right side of my jawline and forehead. I tried antibiotic creams (no effect), neosporin (ditto), and hydrocortisone cream (helped somewhat, but not terribly quickly). It gradually went away, and until recently, I only had the occasional dry patch.

Until a couple weeks ago, that is, when some odd combination of factors as-yet not fully identified (but certainly including either Hourglass Mineral Veil or Clarins Smooth Touch primers––possibly both!) caused my skin to freak the eff out. Back came the bright red, itchy, dry patches, with special bonuses on part of my left jaw and my temples. Accompanying this was a terrible case of acne. This is an unfortunate place to be in: the things I would normally use to treat my acne were potentially contributing to my eczema, but the things I might use for the eczema could break me out worse. I ended up opting to treat the eczema and basically left my acne to its own devices for more than a week (it was not a pretty time). I tried various things on the eczema to try and fix it; argan oil wasn't moisturizing enough (I KNOW RIGHT?!), hydrocortisone disappeared quickly, not to mention I didn't want to use it for very long due to potential side effects, and my trusty Amber Cream was powerless in the face of such angry dry patches. Aquaphor just made it angrier, which makes me wonder if I possibly have a sensitivity to something in that.

Skincare Saturday: Eve Lom

Hi, guys! Here's a post I wrote awhile ago but never got around to posting. Hope you like! Now I must get back to my statsyntaxing (I love concatenations, hehe).

Back in September, I went to Barneys with L on a perfume sniffing mission. We accomplished that, I found my perfect lip gloss, and got a bunch of skincare samples from Eve Lom. I've already mentioned a couple of them on here, but I figured I should do a full "review" of them in one place.

image via Barneys

Eve Lom is a London-based skincare company best known for their cleanser, which is oil-based and is meant to be used with a muslin cloth. They also claim that it works as a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner in one. Now, I love oil cleansers, and am well familiar with how they work. Eve Lom's is thicker than true cleansing oils, more of a paste, but it becomes more liquidy as you rub it between your hands. They recommend applying a penny-sized dollop to your dry face, making sure to massage thoroughly and work the product in to break down your makeup, including heavy eye makeup. Then, you get the muslin cloth wet with hot water and lay it over your face, letting it sit for a few seconds before wiping away and repeating the process. I don't know if the muslin cloth that came with my sample was full size or not, but I sincerely hope it is not, because it's so weirdly shaped and sized that I find it to be somewhat of a hindrance in the actual face-washing process. It's much longer than it is wide, to the point where it's simultaneously too long and too narrow (looking at the Eve Lom website, though, it seems likely that this is one of the "travel size" cloths, so the full size ones are hopefully better). I tended to lay it over my face diagonally, since that covered the most real estate, but it was still less than ideal. I did think it was really cool how any makeup that got on the cloth just washed right off, like magic! But I didn't actually find it to be a terribly effective cleanser. Yes, it managed to get my face makeup off without issue (unless you consider the several minute process to be an issue, which I most certainly do when I'm tired and just want that shit gone), but it was much less successful with eye makeup, even the relatively light eye makeup I tend to wear. It never fully removed my non-waterproof mascara, so I can only imagine how less than stellar it would be at removing something waterproof! So, all in all, I found it to be much more trouble than it was worth, and gladly returned to my usual Shiseido oil-Philosophy Purity combo, which has never let me down. And which, together, are cheaper than the smaller size of Eve Lom, and last longer (I get 6 months from that combo, and the Eve Lom spokespersonn said the travel size tub would last about 2.5). If, however, you're the type who really loves thorough face cleansing pampering and don't wear much eye makeup and are fine with putting off bedtime to repeatedly wipe at your face with a weirdly shaped cloth, you may find Eve Lom's cleanser to be just the ticket! (Okay, that's not fair, because lots of people really love it. Google and go read their reviews, because I obviously am not one of them.) $50 for 1.7 oz, $80 for 3.4, $135 for 6.75, available from Barneys and Space NK (all purchasing information is valid for the US)

Skincare Saturday: Makeup Artist's Choice 100% Pure Virgin Argan Oil

I ordered a bunch of stuff from MUAC last month (as well as some stuff in May, which I still have yet to review...), and one of the things I've liked best is their Argan Oil.

image via MUAC

Skincare Saturday: Sunday Riley Skin Adrenaline Review

Another Sunday Riley moisturizer, what the what! This one was recommended by the SA as a good daytime moisturizer for my (very oily) skin.

image via Barneys

Compared to Bionic, Skin Adrenaline is slightly creamier (as contrasted with liquidier, totally a word) and white, rather than yellow. It also smells nasty; where Bionic smelled like the pink fruit Mentos, Skin Adrenaline smells like rancid plastic Mentos (my mother thinks it may have spoiled, but that seems so unlikely from a high-end brand that's relatively new...but I have another sample packet that I will open and test later, once my skin is under control [fingers crossed that it gets there, UGH], and update this post). Fortunately, the smell doesn't last long. Other observations: it absorbs really quickly, which is great for those of us who don't want to sit around waiting for our moisturizer to sink in when we hit the snooze alarm too many times (me, every morning), and a little goes a long way. It doesn't make me oilier during the day––it may even help control my oilies, but I haven't tested it rigorously enough to say for sure. I fear it may have irritated my skin, though I'm also testing a new Clarisonic brush so I can't be sure about that. As far as its anti-aging claims go, I have no idea. But for $185 for 50 ml, I assume it must be the moisturizer equivalent of the fountain of youth (though compared to Bionic, it's a steal!). Honestly, it works about the same as my Amber Cream as far as moisturization and interaction with makeup, but it's almost 30x more expensive (yes, I did the math). If you have some (lots of) money to burn, don't mind plasticky scents and possible rancidity, live near a Sunday Riley counter, and are worried about signs of aging, you may want to check out Skin Adrenaline. Otherwise, I think you can safely skip it. $185 for 50 ml, available from Barneys, Sunday Riley, and Bergdorf Goodman in New York

Skincare Saturday: Sunday Riley Bionic Anti-Aging Cream Review and Pictures

I mentioned before that I'd gotten a bunch of skincare samples from the Sunday Riley counter in Bergdorf from a very helpful and generous SA. I decided to use them one at a time to try them out and started with the Bionic Anti-Aging Cream, which the SA had recommended for me as a night moisturizer since I have super oily skin and don't need much hydration during the day.

image via Barneys

The Sunday Riley website describes Bionic as:
"Built on Hydration + Anti-Aging fusion technology. Highest concentration [compared to what?] of key ingredients to Rebuild Collagen, Stimulate Elastin Production, Densify [sure guys, that's a word] the Skin, Reverse Photodamage, and Increase Skin Energy. All emerging anti-aging technologies and causes of aging covered in the creation of this stimulating, cutting-edge product."

I have no idea what's up with the random capitalization, either.

So, seeing as I'm 22 and have oily skin, aging isn't really a concern of mine, and since I've only been using the moisturizer for a week or so, I wouldn't expect to see any effects regardless. While I can't speak to its effectiveness at combating age, I can say that it works fine as a nighttime moisturizer.

looks like vanilla custard! I poured one of the samples into a spare contact lens case––very handy!

It's yellowy in color and smells like the pink fruit Mentos (I was so proud of myself when I figured that out!), which has always been my favorite flavor so I don't mind it. It's less dense than a cream but not as liquidy as a serum, and it absorbs quickly, though the smell lingers for a few minutes. It's fine, I'm certainly not sad to have gotten to try it and I'll use up the samples I have, but it's not like a wildly life-changing product. Of course, I am so not the intended market for it, so take everything I say with that in mind. Also: wicked expensive. Definitely worth getting a sample before you buy!
$225 for 1.7 oz, available from Sunday Riley, Barneys, Bergdorf (in-store in New York only, so it seems)

Skincare Saturday: Philosophy Hope in a Jar

This is going to be a quick-and-dirty review, because I don't have time for anything else! Sadface :-( Or maybe happyface, because it will force me to be succinct (not my strong suit!).

image via Sephora

Got a sample of this as a 100-point perk from Sephora. Pros: Absorbs quickly, doesn't break me out, doesn't increase my oiliness. Cons: Smells kind of weird (herbal, similar to Purity but stronger and mustier; Musings of a Muse once described it as "wet dog", which is worse than what I smell, but it's pretty polarizing), doesn't minimize oiliness, and isn't actually very moisturizing. I put it on when I was having some dry flaky skin issues, and it did basically nothing to help with that. Ended up just going back to my trusty Amber Cream, which worked like a charm. Get that instead of this––you get twice as much and it's less than half the price. Plus, it's supporting a local (to me!) small business, and it smells awesome.
$15 for 0.5 oz, $38 for 2 oz, $60 for 4 oz, $110 for 8 oz, available from Sephora

Bottom line: didn't live up to the hype for me, alas. Have you tried it? What did you think?

Skincare Saturday: Bliss Fabulous Face Lotion with SPF 15

I got a sample of this with some Sephora order awhile ago and thought it time to finally share my thoughts. They haven't changed in the last, oh, 6 weeks, but I always had something more interesting to review for Skincare Saturday so I'm only now getting around to it!

image via Sephora

Things I like about this moisturizer: it absorbs pretty quickly, it smells like grapefruit (yummy!), helps control my oilies, offers some sun protection

Things I don't like about this moisturizer: it breaks me out.

It's a pity, really, because the feel and scent of the product are really pleasant! It gives moderate moisture; if you have dry skin (rather than normal/combination/oily) it probably wouldn't be enough, but for me it worked really well. Minus the whole breaking out thing, anyways. Yet another product that goes into my "to give away" bag!
$36 for 1.7 oz, available from Sephora

Wow, that may be the shortest review I've ever written! Way to go, me.

An Introduction to Bloom.com

Bloom.com occasionally has $20 for $40 worth of beauty on LivingSocial/Groupon, and I bought one last month to try out. Bloom is a relatively new beauty etailer that offers some brands that aren't available from Sephora and markets themselves as being a "social network" kind of beauty provider, where you can fill in your preferences and get "matched" to various products. With their extensive skincare collection, this is a handy feature, though it's less so for beauty products. One particularly great thing about the site is their rewards program; you get at least 10% of your purchase back in Bloom points, which can be used on future orders, and they often have codes for more than that (in fact, with code 30BACK, you get 30% back on your first order). Shipping is free over $49, and they have 3 levels of bonus gifts that you can choose with your order; below $50, you get 3 free trial-size samples (like Sephora); between $50 and $100, you get 3 trial-size and 2 deluxe samples, and over $100, you get 5 trial, 4 deluxe, and 1 full size product. Their options for sample products change really frequently (like, daily, rather than the Sephora-usual weekly), so I definitely recommend timing your order so you get products you're actually interested in. If you buy the LivingSocial deal, keep in mind that the $40 does not go towards rewards or purchase amount, though you do still get free shipping. So, I purchased $55 worth of product, paying $35, but only $15 of that counted towards my Bloom account (as in, I now have $1.50 in Bloom Bonus and received 3 trial-size samples).

CARGO Blush in Tonga, Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

I used my $20 discount to pick up a couple of things I wouldn't normally buy, one skincare, Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, and one beauty, Tonga CARGO blush. I'll have reviews of both those up in the next week or two, but I figured I could do a quick run-down of the samples I tried.

The adorable little bag the samples came in––such lovely presentation!

Skincare Saturday: Uncommon Scents Amber Cream Review and Pictures

Check it out, guys! I'm actually doing one of my "weekly" features! Wowza. (Confession: I definitely thought tomorrow was Saturday, so I was all ready to set this to post in the morning, only to realize that no, today is Saturday, you moron, so for those of you on the East Coast: It's Saturday here, so it still counts, darnit!) Today's special feature: moisturizer. Not just any moisturizer, though; I've mentioned this one before here, in one of my very first posts. I recently rediscovered it, and thought it would be worthwhile reviewing in depth. The moisturizer in question: Amber Cream, made by Uncommon Scents, a locally-owned bath and body shop in Eugene. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist a few years ago, when I was struggling with dry skin on top of my acne, and it served me well when I was going to school in the Northeast (Philly counts, right?). We've been having an unusually rain-free winter so far, and my skin has been somewhat dry because of it, so I decided to give this stuff a try again. I had stopped using it because I thought it was too heavy for my skin, and I found it didn't absorb fully and therefore didn't play well with my foundation. I've discovered since I started re-using it that past me was an idiot. Yeah, I said it! (Sorry, past me.)

Uncommon Scents Amber Cream Moisturizer

Recommendation Thursday: Facial Masks

Facial masks can serve many purposes.  Some are designed for acne-prone and oily skin (usually containing clay), some for dry skin, some for irritated and sensitive skin, and yet others work as peels and exfoliators.  I've scoured the web for the best masks of each type, and will now share them with you, my lovely and devoted readers!  For DIY mask ideas, see my Tip Tuesday posts here and here.

Peel masks, not necessarily the same as peel-off masks, are masks that contain AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) to chemically exfoliate and reveal brighter, fresher skin.  I've never used them myself, but I've read that you should leave them on for absolutely no longer than instructed to, as the acids can be too strong if left on for longer, and if you have very sensitive skin, it's probably wise to stay away.  This field seems to be one where higher end (and higher cost) products do give better results than cheaper ones, though you can still find affordable options that work well, too.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask and Alba Hawaiian Enzyme Facial Mask

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewel Peel Mask ($55 for 1.7 oz) and Mychelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel ($22 for 1.2 oz) come especially highly recommended, though Alba Hawaiian Enzyme Facial Mask ($10 for 3 oz) and Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial Enzyme Mask, Pineapple ($3.99 for 6 oz) are good choices if you're on a budget.

Tip Tuesday: DIY Beauty Solutions H-Y (Plus a bonus C)

For a summary of Tip Tuesday, see here.  For part one of diy beauty tips, see here.  And for a video of bunnies wiggling their noses, see here.

Honey
Used as: Cleanser, mask, scrub
Good for: Everyone
Bad for: People who don't like stickiness
I've already done a couple of posts on the wonders of honey, so I'll keep this brief.  Honey is great.  You can use normal honey, raw honey (opaque and light yellow in color), or Manuka honey (full of super nutrients, with a price tag to match).  I've used normal and raw, and prefer the latter because it's less sticky, but both work well.  You can put it on dry skin as a mask or cleanser, or use it on wet skin as a quick cleansing treatment.  Honey combines well with yogurt and aspirin in masks, and with sugar as a scrub.  The possibilities are many, and the results are great––it's moisturizing, anti-bacterial, and it smells and tastes nommy!

Jojoba Oil
Used as: Moisturizer, hair treatment
Good for: Everyone
Bad for: No one
Jojoba (apparently pronounced hə'hoʊbə, who knew) oil is very similar in composition to the sebum and oil produced by your skin, so it can help convince oily skin to stop producing so much oil by making it think there's enough already (I have yet to try this, so cannot vouch for it, but am intrigued!), and its moisturizing properties make it good for normal and dry skin, too.  It's also great for moisturizing hair and reducing frizzies.  You only need a leetle beet, no more than a few drops, which is good because it can apparently be expensive.  It should be available at natural food and health stores, and if you've ever used it, I'd love your input!

Tip Tuesday: DIY Beauty Solutions A-G

For a summary of Tip Tuesday, see here.  For reviews of diy beauty I've personally used, see here (or click on the "diy" tag at the bottom of this post).

There are many appealing things about diy natural beauty.  For one thing, you get to feel like a mad scientist, and who doesn't love that?  (If you don't, go away, this post is not for you.)  For another, you have control over exactly what you're putting on your skin, which means you can avoid ingredients you know irritate you, and don't have to worry about the negative effects from chemical additives.  This does not mean, however, that diy beauty is without its hazards, so please, use caution!

So, here is the first half of the many ingredients you can use in your beauty concoctions (though there are even more that I'm not covering here!), as well as what problem areas they address, and the major concerns to keep in mind regarding side effects and the like.  I hope this is helpful to you, and I welcome any diy suggestions of your own in the comments!  H(oney) through Y(ogurt) will be posted next week.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Used as: Toner, hair treatment
Good for: Acne-prone and/or oily skin
Bad for: Sensitive skin
ACV, as it's known in the biz, is used as a toner to restore the pH balance of skin and help combat acne.  I've never used it, but the intertubes say: it smells nasty, though the smell dissipates after application; you should mix it with water (start with a 1:8 ratio of ACV to water, then increase the amount over time); organic is generally gentler than conventional ACV; and tread with caution if you have sensitive skin.  If you pour it through your hair, it helps get rid of residue and build-up from hair products, though unless you want to smell like a salad, you should probably shower and wash your hair afterwards.

Aspirin
Used as: Mask, toner
Good for: Acne-prone, oily, and/or sensitive/red skin
Bad for: People who are allergic to aspirin
Aspirin, it is claimed, is a source of salicylic acid once it breaks down, though the Beauty Brains did a post about this and said the science isn't really there to back the claims up.  I've tried mixing aspirin in with a yogurt mask, and saw a decrease in redness and swelling, but that could have been due to the other ingredients in the mask.  To use, crush 4-6 uncoated aspirin tablets (uncoated can be hard to find, though health food-type stores often have them) and add a few drops of water to make a paste.  As a mask, you can either spread it over your face like that and let it sit until it dries, or you can mix it with yogurt or honey.  I prefer to do the latter, because the powder has a tendency to fall off as it dries, and mixing it with something else gets rid of that problem.  Some people swear by it as a toner, though when I tried it as such, I got really annoyed with the little pieces of aspirin that stuck to my face.  Do not use this if you have an allergy to aspirin (though I hope that would go without saying!).

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 Review

Rounding out the Sephora Sun Safety kit moisturizer review collection, whee!  I've been putting this one off because I really didn't like it when I used it at school a couple months ago and didn't want to risk my face breaking out from using it again, but in the interest of complete disclosure for you, dear readers, I attempted it once again.

Image from Sephora.com

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30 (what the heck, guys) Review

Another moisturizer review!  I promise, I have lots of color products to review soon, I just haven't quite gotten my act together enough to swatch and take photos yet.  I'll try to have it done this week, though!

Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF Review

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this moisturizer.

Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15

It's been surprisingly sunny and beautiful here recently, a trend that is supposed to continue for at least the next week, which means I've gotten to enjoy some time out in the sunshine (with sunscreen, of course!).  I've been wearing the Boscia sample I got with the Sephora Sun Safety kit as my daily moisturizer for the past several days, and feel comfortable giving my opinion of it.

Moisturizers

I just updated my "about me" section from "soon-to-be college grad" to "college grad"!  Graduation was Sunday, how very surreal.  I'm now an "adult" or something?  So, to celebrate my newfound college degree, I'm going to talk about moisturizers.  I'm sure my professors would be so proud.