sarahinsomnia
Member Since: June 21, 2017Reviews
wet n wild photofocus face primer
I was helping a friend of mine shop around today for make-up. She was looking for a cruelty-free bargain, so we decided to give this a try. It was PERFECT for her skin; very moisturizing, and the price was right at $3.99. When we used it under the... +
I was helping a friend of mine shop around today for make-up. She was looking for a cruelty-free bargain, so we decided to give this a try. It was PERFECT for her skin; very moisturizing, and the price was right at $3.99. When we used it under the foundation she purchased, it went on very smooth, and hydrated the patches of her dry skin where foundation usually flakes. If you're looking for a hydrating foundation for a bargain price, then I'd highly recommend this! -
Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacer Face Serum
A few friends of mine used samples of this that I had lying around during a girl's night we were having. At first, both of them were a little off-putted by the colour; it was very dark, almost to the point that would suggest oxidization, which is... +
A few friends of mine used samples of this that I had lying around during a girl's night we were having. At first, both of them were a little off-putted by the colour; it was very dark, almost to the point that would suggest oxidization, which is odd since it was in vacuum sealed packets. Regardless, they used it, and both of them found that they noticed a difference in the brightness of their skin not long after! So I guess it's not lying when it says you can see some results after a single use. Goes to show that you can't always judge a product by its colour. -
Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten and Firm Vitamin C Serum
I love Dr.Dennis Gross products. Usually they are very high quality and well thought out. But why they would combine two ingredients that are rather counteractive--vitamin C and collagen--is beyond me. I've come to learn of late that vitamin C... +
I love Dr.Dennis Gross products. Usually they are very high quality and well thought out. But why they would combine two ingredients that are rather counteractive--vitamin C and collagen--is beyond me. I've come to learn of late that vitamin C actually inhibits the effects of collagen when applied simultaneously, which makes this product counterintuitive. Also, when I used some samples I got during a girl's night with my friends, we found the colour to be a very questionable dark hue, which makes me wonder if it had oxidized in the packets. I can't speak for its long term effects, but this might explain why the c + collagen facial mist I bought did little to nothing for my skin. -
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Hydrating Oil Free
I used a sample of this on a friend while I was doing her makeup, because we were curious about trying it out. Neither of us is a big fan of silicone, which appears to be an ingredient, but we wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. It went on... +
I used a sample of this on a friend while I was doing her makeup, because we were curious about trying it out. Neither of us is a big fan of silicone, which appears to be an ingredient, but we wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. It went on just fine, and the foundation glided on over it very well, but my friend was still a little uneasy about the silicone content. I'll probably end up using the rest of the samples I've compiled over time, but I think I will personally stick to other primers that contain fewer questionable ingredients. I think my friend is of the same mindset. -
Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Foundation
I had a sample pack of this foundation and used it on a friend while giving her a makeover, since she was on the look out for a new foundation. At first, I wasn't sure about the coverage, but after applying a few layers, I was surprised that such a... +
I had a sample pack of this foundation and used it on a friend while giving her a makeover, since she was on the look out for a new foundation. At first, I wasn't sure about the coverage, but after applying a few layers, I was surprised that such a light foundation had such great coverage! She agreed she liked the coverage, and said that it felt fine on her skin. Now she is determined to purchase it.Unfortunately the sample pack was all too dark for my skin tone, but I was glad to try it on someone else, and I have to say, I'm impressed! -
Biore Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Yes, I used to use these, because I was so excited about the satisfaction of seeing blackheads get pulled out of my nose. But the truth is, while these things might be satisfying, they don't work in the long run. Not only will they make your pores... +
Yes, I used to use these, because I was so excited about the satisfaction of seeing blackheads get pulled out of my nose. But the truth is, while these things might be satisfying, they don't work in the long run. Not only will they make your pores look bigger, but they're only getting the tip of the icerberg when it comes to blackheads, meaning that those little nasties are going to come back REALLY fast! This goes for pore peeling masks as well, basically anything of that nature, not just the Biore strips. If you REALLY want to see a difference in your blackheads, here's what I suggest:
1)Steam face/hot cloth to open your pores. This step is essential to maximize results.
2)Use a 2% salicylic acid solution on target areas, leave to sit on your skin for about 20 mins. This will cut through the grime in your pores.
3)Use a clay mask, and leave on until dry. I personally find the Aztec Indian Secret Clay Mask to work very well. This binds to the impurities in your pores, making it easier to dig them out.
4)Wash off mask when it's dried, and apply a cleansing oil/oil based cleanser to affected area, and let sit for 15-20 mins. This brings whatever is left in your pores to the surface, to be washed away when you wipe away the oil.
5)Use cold water or a pore tightening serum to close your pores, in order to prevent future blackheads from forming!
I know it's a longer process than using pore strips, but the longterm benefits are amazing, and it WORKS! Take it from a former skeptic ;)
-
eos Organic Smooth Spheres Lip Balm in Vanilla Mint
I jumped on the bandwagon when these were growing in popularity, and decided to give them a try. Honestly, I wasn't impressed. Sure, the sphere applicator is pretty cool compared to other lip balms, but the formula did absolutely nothing for my... +
I jumped on the bandwagon when these were growing in popularity, and decided to give them a try. Honestly, I wasn't impressed. Sure, the sphere applicator is pretty cool compared to other lip balms, but the formula did absolutely nothing for my lips. They didn't feel hydrated in the slightest, and it didn't even smell much like vanilla or mint, despite that that was the scent I bought. When I learned that some people were developing adverse reactions to it, I stopped using it immediately, and haven't picked it up since. Case in point: the bandwagon is not always right. Sometimes you've got to try things for yourself. -
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin-E & Peppermint
I used to use this religiously, for one because it used to be cruelty-free, and also because I LOVED the tingling feeling on my lips. However, I never found that it did a good job in treating dry or chapped lips, and in fact, the menthol feeling... +
I used to use this religiously, for one because it used to be cruelty-free, and also because I LOVED the tingling feeling on my lips. However, I never found that it did a good job in treating dry or chapped lips, and in fact, the menthol feeling only seemed to make those problems worse. I stopped using this long before Burt's Bees started selling in mainland China, and have since found far more effective lip balms. If you're looking for a cooling sensation, then this is for you, but if you want something hydrating, I'd look elsewhere. -
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
I used to use this product about 10 years ago, and I can't even count how many times I bough it again and again, hoping that it would help my acne. Sadly, salicylic acid just doesn't cut it for my acne, and I can't say I found that it ever made much... +
I used to use this product about 10 years ago, and I can't even count how many times I bough it again and again, hoping that it would help my acne. Sadly, salicylic acid just doesn't cut it for my acne, and I can't say I found that it ever made much of a difference, aside from drying out blemishes. Now that I'm older and wiser, I know far better uses for salicylic to treat acne, but as a spot treatment--and if you have complicated acne, like I do--then you're better off investing in something with benzoyl peroxide or sulfur for a more effective solution. -
Tatcha The Water Cream
I tried this out in Sephora, and man, I FELL IN LOVE 'HARD'. This is just the kind of moisturizer I need; one that my skin drinks up without leaving a greasy feeling. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because of the price. It'll put you out... +
I tried this out in Sephora, and man, I FELL IN LOVE 'HARD'. This is just the kind of moisturizer I need; one that my skin drinks up without leaving a greasy feeling. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because of the price. It'll put you out about $100 CAD... yikes! I'll keep my eye on it, and perhaps one day, when I am rich and famous, I'll be able to claim this holy grail of water creams. Until then... I guess I'll just have to visit it longingly every time I enter Sephora! -
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