July 23, 2008

Dr. Denese HydroShield Hair Moisturizer Review

Denesehairmoist_3HydroShield Hair Moisturizer is a weightless leave-in conditioner that can be applied to damp or dry hair.  The moisturizer softens and smoothes the hair without leaving a residue.  It’s great for adding moisture to dry, brittle ends.  The formula contains many hair-beneficial ingredients such as ceramides, antioxidants, oligopeptides and sunscreen.  This product has a light, soapy scent.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub Review

Neutrogenaacnestressscrub_2This creamy facial scrub is formulated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and two types of scrubbing beads (smooth and coarse) to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.  The formula does not foam and takes some effort to rinse.  The coarse scrubbing beads are fairly abrasive but the creamy formula acts as a buffer between the skin and the beads.  The scrub leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.  This product has a light cucumber scent. 

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Lip Conditioner (Soft Petal) Review

Loreallipconditioner_6This lip conditioner looks and feels like a rich, emollient lip gloss.  The conditioner enhances the natural look of lips with subtle shimmer, shine and a sheer pink tint.  The lips feel soft, smooth, moist and not too sticky.  The packaging is sleek and convenient.

Prada Infusion D’Iris Eau de Parfum Review

PradadirisInfusion D’Iris is a clean, dry, woody-floral scent.  This distinctive fragrance starts with a sparkling floral accord and becomes clean and soapy (in a good way) as it dries down.  The middle accord is earthy, woody and a bit masculine.  A whisper of musk and powder lingers on the skin in the drydown.  Notes include: Mandarin, Neroli, Iris, Cedar, Incense, Benzoin.

Creed Love in White Eau de Parfum Review

Creedinlovewhite_2Love in White is a fresh floral scent.  The fragrance opens with soft white florals and a sheer veil of sweet orange zest.  After a promising start the floral notes fade into a clean, aquatic accord that’s pleasant but forgettable.  The aquatic notes prevail over and outlast any other notes in the composition.  Notes include: Orange Zest, White Jasmine, Daffodil, Magnolia, Rice Husk, Iris, Sandalwood, Vanilla.

July 15, 2008

Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum Review

Juicycouture_2Juicy Couture is a sweet, floral scent.  The initial notes are water hyacinth and sweet, juicy fruit.  The sweetness lingers on and provides a backdrop for the rest of the composition.  At the heart of the fragrance is a creamy white floral bouquet with a pronounced tuberose note.  The finish is not overly sweet.  It's soft, slightly powdery and woody.  Notes include: Watermelon, Mandarin, Pink Passion Fruit, Marigold, Green Apple, Water Hyacinth, Crushed Leaves, Tuberose Absolute, Wild Rose, Princess Lily, Tuberose, Caramel Crème Brulee, Vanilla, Precious Woods, Patchouli.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer (SPF 15) Review

RevloncolorstayconcealerThis lightweight, blendable concealer provides light to medium coverage for dark circles.  The eye area looks rested and bright after application.  The concealer stays on for most of the day with minimal creasing (I suggest keeping the eye area hydrated to prevent the formula from settling into fine lines and creases).  The available shades are neutral and will work well with many skin tones (for concealing dark circles choose a shade that’s a bit lighter than your skin tone).  The applicator needs improvement because it’s difficult to control the amount of product that comes out through the sponge tip.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Review

Muradahacleanser_3This foaming cleanser contains small jojoba beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells.  The cleanser removes dirt, oil and makeup while the jojoba beads gently polish the skin (the exfoliating acids don’t stay on the skin long enough to make a significant impact).  It leaves the face feeling smooth, soft and clean.  This product should be used with restraint to avoid over-drying.

Olay Sensitive Moisture Therapy Lotion Review

Olaysensitive_2This silky moisturizing lotion would be best suited for someone with normal to dry skin.  The moisturizer absorbs easily and leaves skin soft, supple and ready for makeup.  The formula contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin E, panthenol, aloe and chamomile.  This product is fragrance- and color-free.

Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash (Fragrance Free) Review

Aveenobabysoothinwash_2This thick, creamy wash lathers well and rinses clean.  The formula contains gentle cleansing agents, glycerin and natural colloidal oatmeal.  This product claims to leave the skin feeling moisturized for 24 hours but I didn’t feel like it added any moisture to my skin.  Although the wash contains no added fragrance it has a light, inoffensive scent.

July 10, 2008

Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum Review

Stella_2Stella is a likeable, modern rose scent.  The fragrance opens with a sparkling blend of sweet roses, fresh peony and juicy mandarin.  As the peony and mandarin fade the rose note darkens slightly and a hint of musk is introduced.  The rose continues to evolve into the drydown where it combines with sheer amber for a sensual but subtle finish.  Notes include: Rose, Peony Flower, Mandarin, Rose Absolute, Amber.

Dior Midnight Poison Eau de Parfum Review

DiormidnightpoisonMidnight Poison is dark, deep, and intense.  The fragrance begins with a loud patchouli note and a hint something sweet and incense-like.  As the patchouli softens the bergamot and mandarin come through.  A fleeting rose note follows the citrus accord and adds a feminine touch.  Vanilla and amber create a sweet and opulent finish.  This fragrance is not for the faint of heart.  Notes include: Mandarin, Bergamot, Rose, Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla.

MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes Review

Mdskincaresunprotection_5These individually wrapped sunscreen towelettes are a great alternative to creams and sprays for sun-conscious individuals on the go.  The towelettes are quite small.  One application only covers the face, ears and neck.  The towelettes are saturated with a clear, lightweight sunscreen solution that leaves minimal residue or shine on the skin.  The solution also contains many antioxidants and is fragrance-free.  The sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and oxybenzone.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray Review

Oscarblandipronto_2This was my first time trying a dry shampoo and I’m not impressed with the results.  You are instructed to spray the shampoo directly onto scalp and hair and let it dry before using fingers to shake out the excess product.  I sprayed this product just above my forehead.  The spray coated my hair with a wet white powder that took a few minutes to dry.  The dry powder was quite messy and it took some effort to remove all of the white particles.  The hair treated with the shampoo appeared less oily but it looked dull and ashy.

June 30, 2008

Estée Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum Review

Esteelaudersensuous_2Sensuous is a warm, woody scent that’s not overly sweet or spicy.  The fragrance opens with a lush floral accord, sweet honey, and a touch of woods.  The floral notes fade quickly as the woody notes intensify.  Sandalwood dominates the heart of the fragrance while amber and honey add a layer of warmth and sensuality.  The scent doesn’t change much in the drydown.  Notes include: Ghost Lily, Magnolia, Jasmine, Ylang Essence, Mandarin Orange Pulp, Honey, Black Pepper, Sandalwood, Amber.

L.A.M.B. L Eau De Parfum Review

LamblL is a light, refreshing scent.  The top notes are clean, aquatic, and somewhat green.  I can also detect a hint of pear in the opening.  The floral notes are not very pronounced and blend in with the watery fresh notes.  The fragrance has a transparent musky base.  Notes include: Fresh Green Notes, Water Hyacinth, White Freesia, Fresh Pear, Violet Leaves, Jasmine Petals, Rose, Muget, Sweet Pea, Orange Blossom, Heliotrope Flower, Sensual Musk, Frangipani Blossom, Peach Skin.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream (Deep Wrinkle) Review

NeutrogenaantiwrinkleintensivefaceThis lightweight cream absorbs well and leaves skin soft and moisturized.  The formula contains retinol to reduce the signs of aging as well as hyaluronic acid and shea butter to boost moisture levels in the skin.  This product is quite effective in improving the overall tone and clarity of the skin and it may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with extended use.  Surprisingly, this cream caused no peeling or irritation as is common with many retinol products (those with sensitive skin may need to limit use until skin adjusts).  This formula is fragrance-free.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Night Formula) Review

NeutrogenaantiwrinkleoriginalThis oil-free cream provides good moisture without a greasy residue.  The formula is fragrance-free and contains retinol, vitamin E, green tea extract and panthenol.  While I experienced no redness or irritation when using this product, I saw no visible improvement in the overall quality of my skin.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

June 23, 2008

Burberry The Beat Eau de Parfum Review

Burberythe_beatThe Beat is interesting but not great.  The top notes are warm and sweet with a hint of citrus.  The pink pepper adds a bit of interest to the otherwise temperate top accord.  The floral notes in the middle accord are soft but not overly feminine.  A smoky musk note competes with the florals and becomes more prominent in the drydown.  Notes include: Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Mandarin, Iris, Bluebell, Ceylon Tea, White Musk, Vetiver, Cedarwood.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup (Medium Glow) Review

SallyhansenlegmakeupThis sheer spray-on leg makeup has a dry, weightless finish and a medium tan shade.  To apply you spray the makeup directly into hands and blend evenly on legs (it can look orange if applied too liberally).  This quick-drying, water-resistant formula stays put for hours and removes easily with soap and water.  This product may transfer on clothing.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Body Wash Review

Burtsbeessheawash_3This lightly foaming body wash has a runny but luxuriously silky texture.  The formula claims to be 98.5 % natural and combines gentle cleansers with milk, shea butter and safflower seed oleosomes to nourish and moisturize the skin.  The skin feels clean, soft and supple after use.  The only drawback is a strange coconut-like scent.

Johnson's Soothing Naturals Hair and Body Wash Review*

Johnsonssoothingnaturals_2This gentle moisturizing wash contains no harsh cleansers.  The formula includes vitamin E, olive leaf extract, aloe, soybean oil, chamomile and jojoba to nourish the skin.  The wash foams lightly, rinses clean and leaves skin feeling soft.  This product has a soft powdery scent. 

*Note: This review does not address the use of the product as a hair wash.

Vera Wang Flower Princess Eau de Toilette Review

VerawangflowerprincessFlower Princess is a fresh springtime floral.  The fragrance opens with crisp white flowers and a touch of green.  The floral notes are never sharp or overpowering and soften as the fragrance wears off.  The drydown is clean, slightly aquatic and musky.  Notes include: Green Ivy, Tangerine, Water Lily, Orange Flower Petals, Moroccan Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Riviera Mimosa, Apricot Skin, Amber, Woods, Musk.

June 12, 2008

Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette Review

Verawangprincess_3Princess is a sweet, playful scent.  The fruity top notes are slightly overshadowed by a delicious pink frosting accord that permeates throughout the composition.  As the fragrance develops it becomes warmer and sweeter with a hint of chocolate and a light touch of florals.  I detect vanilla and some musk in the drydown.  This fragrance is for the young or the young at heart.  Notes include: Water Lily, Lady Apple, Mandarin Meringue, Golden Apricot Skin, Ripe Pink Guava, Tahitian Flower, Wild Tuberose, Dark Chocolate, Pink Frosting Accord, Precious Amber, Forbidden Woods, Royal Musk Captive, Chiffon Vanilla.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelée for Body (Medium-Deep) Review

Lorealsublimegelee_2Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelée is a translucent, runny gel with a light orange tint.  Contrary to the product’s claims, this gel takes a long time to dry, but it develops a nice, dark tan (I recommended using a dry tissue to remove the excess product from the knees, elbows and ankles to prevent those areas from turning brown).  The fragrance is quite strong but bearable.