Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, $12

I've never been much of a foundation kind of girl, but lately I noticed that it really can create a nice, clean palette--as a start--and can also help my blush go on more evenly and stay longer. And it's all about that sweet glow, amirite? Of course, being new to the game, I wanted one that wasn't too expensive and also wouldn't clog my pores. What's the point of foundation if it makes your skin worse? I decided to try Neutrogena's SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, which contains salicylic acid to help treat breakouts. At $12, I knew I wouldn't be too upset if it didn't work out; plus, if I did love it, it would be affordable enough to buy regularly.


I chose Natural Ivory for my pale-ish skin. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to blend. It's smooth and creamy--not sticky or pasty--and matches my tone perfectly. Once it's on, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing heavy makeup, which is super important for me. I need my skin to breathe!

So, does it really clear your skin? Well, I'm not sure if it will actively get rid of a pimple, but it definitely will not make things worse. It does a nice job of covering blemishes while still looking natural (as long as you don't pile on too much) and keeps my oily skin in check (which is a task in itself!). That being said, if you have skin that's on the drier side, this may not be the best product for you. I've found that any dryness is highlighted with this makeup--a light moisturizer underneath certainly helps it go on more evenly. So, it's really made for normal to oily skin.

Final verdict
Cost: $12, and readily available in many stores. Not bad!
Coverage: Medium. Still looks natural, but just more even-toned. I wouldn't suggest putting on too much, though--it can start to look fake.
Texture/feel: It's creamy and easy to blend. Once on, it feels light and smooth. I like to use a light moisturizer underneath just to get a nice, even base.
Skin-clearing?: Well, it controls my oily skin and lets it breathe, but I'm not counting on it to get rid of my blemishes. It certainly is better than heavy, cakey makeup that suffocates your skin. I think it's best for people with normal to oily skin.
Repeat offender: So far, this has been my favorite foundation. It's affordable, super easy to put on when I'm half-asleep in the morning, and helps me feel more confident about my on-the-problematic-side skin. I'm on my second bottle now, so I'd say yes!

L'Oreal Revitalift Complete Night Cream, $12-15

Recently I had a slight panic attack about the potential for wrinkles, fine lines, etc.--I think it was from some article I read in the New York Times about French women and their obsessive skin care and wrinkle prevention regimes. I know some people are rolling their eyes right now thinking "wow, really?" but hey it's my skin and I want to take care of it! I mean we are supposed to moisturize anyways so why not buy something that says it will help with wrinkle prevention too?

Needless to say by obsession lasted about a day but I did pick up this jar of L'Oreal Revitalift Complete Night Cream in the process. I've been using this cream pretty regularly every evening after removing my makeup. I like to rub it into my skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and the neck. Though I can't tell you if I have seen any results from it yet (ask me in 10 years maybe?) I can say I do like to use it nightly because it makes my skin feel super soft the next day.

The cream is on the thick side so if your skin is already oily this probably isn't going to be the best bet. It seems to be working well for me and I find that a little bit goes a long way. Another thing to note is that it has kind of a heavy lotion smell that may not be favorable to many people. It doesn't bother me because it smells pretty fresh but a friend of mine (who joined me in the wrinkle freak of out 2010) said she didn't really like the scent of it because it came off a bit strong.

Final verdict:
Cost: You can find it around $12-15, and you will definitely be able to find coupons! Cheaper than Clinique and Lancome skin products!
Do you think it works?: I may never know if using night cream is going to help prevent wrinkles on my skin but I know I like the soft and fresh feeling I have after I put the cream on and even the next day.
Repeat offender?: I probably won't buy this cream again because like mascara I tend to want to try a different face cream each time I need a new one. But I would recommend it to someone looking for a low cost night cream.

-M

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths, $15 (for 30)

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths are on-the-go face wipes for when you just don't have the time to wash your face (or the sink). They lather up without water and don't need any rinsing, so it would be good for after the gym, after a night out, etc.

The cloth lathered up a lot--it was actually pretty soaked, which is good if you're trying to really get clean. I liked the smell when I first opened it (almost like baby wipes and some sort of witch hazel? I've smelled it before but I can't place it . . . my mom thinks it's the glycerin).

I rubbed the cloth into my face (it says gently wipe, but I basically just used it as a washcloth) and I could feel it tingle and get into my pores, so I could tell it was working. I used it around my eyes to get off my makeup, which probably wasn't the best idea--while the cloth felt soft to my fingertips, it didn't feel so soft around my eyes. And the tingling was starting to sting on some sensitive skin I have on my cheeks. Luckily this lasted only a couple seconds.

At first I couldn't believe that this soaking wet cloth would clean my face and then dry without rinsing. I mean, it's full of soapy liquid. But, lo and behold, a few moments later my skin was completely dry and not filmy at all. Actually, it felt really smooth, clean, and soft. But, the smell started to linger and I couldn't stop smelling it, and I started to not like it. In fact, it started to give me a migraine, and I had to go rinse my face anyway.

Final verdict
Cost: $15 for 30.
Soapy: Unlike some cloths, these are packed full of soapy goodness, so you feel like you're getting your money's worth.
Cleansing: You can feel the product going right into your pores, which is awesome in some areas but maybe kinda burning in more sensitive areas. Probably not best for around the eyes.
Dries clean: When it dried, my skin felt soft and clean--no film left behind.
Smell: I liked it at first, and then it got overwhelming and gave me a headache!
Repeat offender?: I would not buy these because the smell kinda knocked me out. That, and they are a bit pricey compared to drug store brands. I'm not sure if they help clear up your skin, but I do like the clean feeling it leaves behind, so I think they would be good for cleaning on-the-go (that is, if you like the smell and are willing to pay $15 a month if you're going to use it everyday).

-T

Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin Astringent, $6-$7

Sea Breeze is one of those brands that's been around forever. Their bottles are a familiar sight in the drugstore skincare aisle. I used to use the sensitive skin astringent when I was a teenager. What drew me to it was the old notion that alcohol smell + tingly feeling = clean skin! I'm not gonna lie, I kinda like that tingly, tight feeling left on your face by a clean-rinsing face wash or an astringent. So, even though my skin is much better than it used to be, I still have a ton of blackheads. I decided to try an old favorite to see how it held up.

Well, I'm going to be a Negative Nancy and give two bad reviews in a week. I didn't have luck with this. I used it right after the shower, running a soaked cotton ball over my face until it turned up clean. It kinda grosses me out that after my shower I still have dirt and oil on my face . . . anyway. It did give my skin a tight feeling, but it also felt like a film was left behind. And the alcohol scent is really strong, even though they try to mask it with a fragrance. After a few days my face didn't look any better, and actually felt worse--greasier and more inflamed.

Final verdict
Cost: $6-$7. (So at least I didn't waste too much money on it!)
Experience: Will leaving your skin feeling tight, and will permeate the room with an alcohol-y smell.
Skin clearing?: Not for me. It felt like it left a film on my face, which made my face greasier and angrier.
Repeat offender?: No, I won't buy this again. It didn't clear up my skin at all, and actually made it worse. I guess that's why I stopped using it. Maybe next week I'll have some better products, guys!

Sephora Collection Harmony Trio Bronzer, Rose, $16

I made it my mission to get into bronzers a lot more this summer. This little compact was included in The Waterproof Bronzing Kit that I purchased a little while ago (and have been reviewing bits and pieces of it ever since then). This bronzer is a mix of three varying shades including a dark copper color, a rosy bronze, and a sheer yet shiny beige.

There are a few ways to make this bronzer work for you, they are all pretty straightforward. You can just take a brush and swirl it all on the compact itself, though you might end up mixing the colors a bit. You can even just stroke your brush across the palette and blend the different shades on your cheeks (with the brush) as you please. Another use for this bronzer is to just use the different shades individually for your eyes. The third tone would be a great highlighter and mixing the first two would probably create a pretty cool eyeshadow shade.

So far I've used this on my cheeks over some blush for a subtle bronzing effect. I was wearing a deep cut dress on Friday at the beach and decided to bronze up the exposed area of my chest. It definitely made a difference! It made me look more tan but didn't look weird because I didn't use too much. Just a little tip, I know you guys aren't dumb but seriously only do this if you are wearing dark colored clothing. I can just see a pretty light-colored top getting ruined by bronzer because we want to bronze our boobs (lol).

Final verdict:
Cost: $16, I think this is a little too expensive because this is a pretty small compact. Last week they had it on sale on the site for half off so if you are interested I would just keep my eye out for a sale. The set it came in was $28 total and came with a lot more stuff.
Is it hard to get an even bronzing color because there are 3 shades?: Not at all. The three tones blend beautifully to give you the glow you want. You don't really have to worry about it looking like you have three different colored streaks on your face. Just remember: Blend! Blend! Blend! It really does wonders.
Repeat offender?: Though I'm giving it a good review I'd say no. It is a little too small for $16 and with so many bronzer options out there I'd feel lame just sticking to one kind.

-M

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, $5.99

I totally felt 13 years old again when I reached for the Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 at the drugstore a few weeks ago. I had an unfortunate flashback to that portion of life we can refer to as "The Busted Years" but this time it was way less traumatic. I had one of those awful down deep in your skin zits that was the star of so many teenage dramas. I figured I could use this to dry it up, it says "Maximum Strength" so why not?

The magic acne zapper contains 10% benzoyl peroxide which is the drying agent. I'm not telling you this is going to miraculously clear your skin up and you won't see a scratch. Not at all. It dries the zit but you still have the dry zit that needs to fade away. Just make sure to moisturize. Also, don't rub this all over your face, use the smallest bit on the spot you need it. This will dry out your skin, the level varies from person to person.

Final verdict:
Cost: Around $5.99, not bad.
Does it work?: Yes it does! It zaps zits dry within a few applications. What I did was use it 3 times a day as suggested on the problem area and it definitely minimized it drastically.
Is this for everyone?: Probably not. You are going to have to take a gamble with this to see if it works for you. I feel like it may have worked so well for me because I haven't used benzoyl peroxide on my skin for years. You also need to take into account whether you have sensitive skin that is prone to excessive drying. I consider myself a person with sensitive skin but the spot drying wasn't a big deal for me.
Repeat offender?: Let's hope that I don't have anymore of these zits, but if I do I'll definitely hit up the Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10.

-M

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5-$6

The first day of summer was just a few days ago, but already this heat and humidity is getting to my skin. I don't know if it's like this where you are, but around here it has been relentlessly hot. I've been using the Urban Decay oil blotting powder to control my everyday shine, which has been working really well. But sometimes, like if I'm going to be outside for a little bit, my face just sweats right through it (sexy, I know). This is when I break out my old friend--Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. I've used other ones in the past but these work just as well as any expensive sheets I've tried.

These are great because there are 50 sheets in a small, flat container that fits in any purse, pocket, or makeup bag. It has a little piece of doublesided tape that automatically picks up a sheet every time it closes.

Tada! Don't worry, I'll spare you the dark blue spotted result of my greasy forehead. Just trust me that these thin little sheets soak the oil right out of your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth. You can use them on your bare skin or over makeup, so they're useful no matter your beauty routine. Using these not only takes the shine off immediately, but also leaves my face feeling cleaner at the end of the day.

Final verdict
Cost: At around $5, how can you go wrong?
Do they work?: They totally work! When I know I'm going to be hot and feeling gross, I always keep these near me. You can see the evidence of it working right on the sheet. Don't be afraid to use two if yours becomes kinda, uh, see-through.
Convenience: They're faster and easier than powder, and you don't need a mirror to use one. Just remember to throw it away when you're done!
For everyone: Male or female, heavy makeup or none at all--everyone who gets a little shiny can use these.
Repeat offender: I've been buying these off and on since middle school, so yes I will continue to! I don't think I'll need them too much when the air gets drier and cooler, but I can definitely use them for the rest of the summer.

-T

Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment, $60

As I mentioned in my last entry, I bought a kit from Bare Escentuals that included an array of their products. The RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment that can be found at Sephora is bigger than the sample sized one pictured here (0.15oz vs. 0.05oz). The color I got is Clear, which is meant for all skin tones.

The treatment is a little canister filled with concentrated minerals that are deposited with a little pouf. The minerals are meant to transform your skin overnight, fixing wrinkles, sun damage, pore size, blemishes, skin texture . . . basically everything. That's a lot to promise, but hey, for $60 it better do a lot! To use, you click it to "open" and rub the pouf on your skin in a circular motion, buffing away imperfections. The minerals work on your skin while you sleep.

I've used it pretty consistently for about a week now. The pouf is really soft and gentle, and it feels nice on sensitive skin. However, it's honestly hard to tell anything is coming out--well, except that the top turned from white to beige. Sometimes I'll kind of tap it on my skin to make sure some powder puffs up. If anything, at least the pouf is increasing circulation and buffing away some dead skin cells.

After I put it on, my skin feels softer, smoother, and less oily. It doesn't do much to cover the blemishes, but I don't really care because I'm going to sleep! I think if you got one in a color closer to your skin tone it might make a more noticeable difference.

So, does it work? I don't really know. The first night I used it I had a huge zit on my chin. The next morning it was obviously much smaller. I got excited, but I don't know if it's done much since then. I've had some breakouts after that and it hasn't done much for them. Maybe I need to use it for a longer time to see more results?

Final verdict
Cost: $60. Ouch. You can find it on Amazon for around $45, or try it in a kit (they have new ones often).
Texture: Right after using it my skin does feel soft and velvety, but not miraculously so. It would probably be easy on sensitive skin.
Fix-all?: Sigh, I don't know. My main problem is breakouts, and while it did help a little, it wasn't perfect by any means. I wonder if I have to use it for a longer period of time, or if it's not really meant for my skin problems.
Repeat offender?: No, I wouldn't buy this again. I'll use this until it's gone (or until I think it's gone . . . it's hard to tell) and hopefully it will do a little something, but I kind of doubt it. Bummer!

Our giveaway is still going strong! Can't wait to announce the winner on Monday! We're so excited about it that we're extending the deadline--you now have until Sunday night at 11:59pm to enter.

<3,
-T

Almay Smart Shade Concealer, $8-$10

Almay Smart Shade Concealer is interesting--it's one of their products in the Smart Shade line, which claims to have the ability to "sense" the color of your skin and adjust itself to blend in flawlessly. Therefore, it comes in only 3 colors: light, light/medium, and medium. I chose light.

The product starts out nearly white. It comes in a small container with a needle-point nozzle, all signs that point to "use a small amount." It's very thin and liquidy, making it easy to spread out and blend. It feels smooth and dries quickly, almost like a tinted moisturizer.

The color isn't quite as yellowy as in the photo (I also put on a ton here), but it does have a slightly yellow tone that works well with my skin and I think helps to mellow out redness.

It's sheer coverage--no stage makeup here. For someone like me who never wears heavy face makeup, I think it works really well. I've used it under my eyes (dark circles), my nose (red), and my chin (blemish scars). I feel like it gave an overall cleansing effect, like my face looks more alive but you can't really figure out why.

Final verdict
Cost: $8-$10, depending on where you get it. Available at CVS, Walmart, etc.
Color changing: It actually does change and blend into my skin--pretty cool! It has a slightly yellow tone, though, which might not work for all skin types.
Coverage: Fairly sheer, like a tinted moisturizer. Good for those who just want a little, natural-looking fix. It also has SPF 15 (always a plus for me).
Texture: Soft, nonoily, blends easily, and dries quickly. It feels like my skin can breathe through it (not cakey at all).
Repeat offender: Yes, I would buy this again. It gives me just the amount of coverage I'm looking for and has a great texture. Plus, I put it right on top of some zits and it didn't make them worse, so I know it's not clogging my pores. I'm interested to try their Smart Shade blush--it's, like, the future, man!

-T

Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, $32

Lorac's TANtalizer Baked Bronzer is probably one of the first deluxe-sized samples I ever got from Sephora (this little container has been through a lot). I had never tried bronzer before. I mean, at that point I was just figuring out what blush was! As a pale girl who is nervous about melanoma (not to mention that I tan all weird and uneven), I've pretty much given up the idea that I'll ever be effortlessly golden. But, I love wearing this bronzer in the summer to give the illusion that I've had a little shimmering sun kiss my skin.

The color is a mix of warm browns and light, soft golds, and is super shimmery (just make sure you don't accidentally get the matte one). It is highly pigmented, blendable, and buildable, which makes it really easy to get anything from a tiny hint of shimmer to a deeper golden tone.

To me, the effect is a lot like Orgasm's shimmer, but without the peachy-pink tone.

(top/left: Lorac's TANtalizer Baked Bronzer; bottom/right: Nar's Orgasm blush)
In fact, my favorite summer look is to blend the bronzer on top of the blush, creating a peachy-pink-golden-shimmer duo of awesomeness (which I attempted to re-create between the two, above). Then I just dust the bronzer everywhere else--shoulders, collarbone, chest, etc. I love it! It would even make a really pretty eyeshadow if you're a fan of shimmery neutrals.

Final verdict
Cost: $32 is pricey but I think it's worth it. The sample size shown above is much smaller than the regular size. Plus, it comes with a mirror and little brush (shown in the second photo here).
Color: Beautiful and warm, even on pale skin. I think it would work well on many skin tones.
Buildable: It's really easy to put on a little bit or a ton. It's soft and blends really easily.
Repeat offender: Once this is up, I'll definitely buy it again. It lasts a long time and is just a really good product. It does exactly what it's supposed to do, even if it does cost a little extra.

-T

Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder (Shine Control), $32

A little while ago I received this sample size compact from Sephora of Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder but I didn’t really have the need for any shine control powder until it got warm outside! I tend to have dry skin during the winter and then normal-oily skin in the warmer months. I have been using the powder after I moisturize my skin but before I put on any blush or other powders. By moisturizing first and then putting on the shine control powder I am able to control the oiliness without feeling like I’m completely drying out my skin.


The powder is supposed to be colorless but it is a light green shade. I have often seen a lot of face powder in this tone, I think it is so that it looks less like powder white and is able to blend in better with natural skin colors. The compact comes with a sponge applicator that I have been using. Sometimes it is easy to put too much powder on a certain spot on your face if you use the sponge but honestly this powder is so fine that the sponge seems like the best tool possible. The compact pictured is 2-3 times smaller than the actual size product.


Final verdict:
Cost: A bit pricey at $32. This is very similar to the review that Tori did a bit ago on Urban Decay’s De-Slick Mattifying Powder. Similar cost, the Laura Mercier one is $2 more.
Does it work?: It definitely works but you have to be careful to not use it on dry skin because it will just look like a white powder spot (I’m having flashbacks to middle school when I thought I should use a Covergirl powder all over my face at all times without moisturizer—gross).
Is it worth it?: I think that it does the job it says it will but it is pretty pricey and you could probably find something similar for less. At the same time, this is such a fine powder that you might not get the same silky feeling with other similar products.
Repeat offender?: This is the kind of product that you won’t use everyday but when you do need it, you will be glad that you have it. I would like it more if it had some SPF protection in the powder because that is always a plus for the warmer months. If I ran out (probably won’t happen very fast!) then I would consider buying the full size powder.

-M

"Prepping Pretty Spring Skin," a guest post by Sarah Logan

When the sun finally begins to warm our faces again, and the world slowly looks a little greener, we always feel the need to freshen up our looks a bit. In an enthusiastic hurry to apply this season’s bright makeup colors, we may forget to stop and realize that the most important step is good skincare for a clean, smooth base. After the cold wind, dry heating systems, and dark days are done with our faces, most of us go into springtime looking a little dull.

To bring your face back to life, there are some basics that always help whether you’re at a spa or your bathroom sink. Firstly, be sure to exfoliate: it can be as simple as adding salt (for oily skin) or sugar (for dry skin) to your face wash or buying one with exfoliating beads in it. It always helps to add a product that exfoliates on the chemical level--with something like fruit enzymes or hydroxy acids--into your regimen for added results. Having microdermabrasion done at a medical or day spa is an option that will provide deep exfoliation beyond what you can do at home. Particles of usually either diamond or crystal are applied by a sand blasting technique or with a rotating wand textured with these particles. This treatment freshens and resurfaces with a more dramatic result than home treatments.(photo courtesy of internationalorange.com)
Second, you need to continuously moisturize to have skin perfect for makeup application. If you’re getting a facial at a spa, that’s great because they will both exfoliate and moisture your skin while you’re there. At home, be sure you’re using a formula appropriate for your skin type, like a gel for oily skin, a thicker cream for dry, or something in between. Some of the face lotions with radiance/skin brightening ingredients are perfect for dewy spring skin, and are a nice boost for any look.
(photo courtesy of fourseasonsdentalspa.com)
If we just take a little extra care in reviving skin at this time of year, the reward will be a complexion that’s more awake and well-textured. Your face will look flawless all season long!

Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI). ASI is a beauty school for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.

Do you have some great beauty advice or an awesome product you'd like to share? Email us at sweetglowbeauty (at) gmail(dot)com and we'd love to feature you!

Benefit "Honey...Snap Out of It!" Scrub, $28

I was in the market for a new exfoliating scrub so I decided to try Benefit's "Honey...Snap Out of It!" Scrub, a "morning exfoliating facial cleanser " that "exfoliates and vacuum cleans your skin with soft almonds." The scrub is thick and creamy with (what I assume to be) bits of almond for exfoliating. The smell is really nice, very much like the Burt's Bees almond cream but slightly subdued. I was surprised at the size--5 oz. is actually kind of a lot for something you use 2-3 times a week.

The cool thing about this is that you can use it as an exfoliating scrub (obvs) or you can leave it on and use it as a mask:

1. Smooth the product onto your (dry) skin, avoiding the eye area.
2. Chill out, read a book, watch TV, and let your face dry up (Benefit says for 3 minutes, I left it on for, like, 10 minutes).
3. When you're ready to rinse, first moisten your fingers and use them to work the scrub into your skin, moving in little circles. (Note: This part feels awesome--your skin's all tight from the mask and then with the water the scrub gets all creamy. It feels like it's really getting into your pores.)
4. Use a warm, wet washcloth to remove the mask.
5. Rinse with a little warm water to remove any residue.
6. Rinse with a splash of cool water to close your pores.

I can see why they suggest using it in the morning! After using this my skin feels tight, clean, glowing, and not too dry (definitely not irritated). I don't even want to moisturize because it feels all nice and balanced.

Final Verdict
Cost: $28 is a normal price for Benefit products and a pretty mid-range price for higher end skincare. I don't normally spend this much for skincare but maybe I'll think of it as a nice little treat. At-home facials make it worth it! :)
Product: Thick, creamy, smells nice (mmm almonds), and good sized scrubbing pieces.
Versatility: Can be used as a scrub or a mask, and is made for all skin types.
Repeat offender: I would buy this again. It feels really nice while it's on and leaves my skin feeling super clean and fresh. I would buy more products from Benefit--have had good luck so far!

-T

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder, $30

I bought Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder on a whim. I had a Macy's gift card and decided to spend it on something I probably wouldn't normally buy--$30 face powder fell into that category. I have combination skin and get self-conscious about it getting oily in my T-zone, but I hate wearing any kind of face makeup (usually feels too heavy and fake). I also have the suspicion that my bangs are looking gross by the end of the day because of my oily forehead. With the warmer weather coming along, I felt like this was a good time to try it out.

The compact is really pretty--clear purple with silver designs of skulls and filigree (much like the Ammo Eyeshadow Palette). The compact is bigger than I thought it would be, basically about the size of my palm. The mirror is a really good size. I feel like for $30, it better be big!

It comes with a flat sponge that's rubbery on one side and cushiony white on the other.

I like the sponge. It fits nicely in the compact and makes it easy to dab at or sweep across your skin. But as you can see, it's already getting dirty, even though I just use it on my bare skin. I feel like if you used it over foundation, it would definitely change the color of that cushion pretty quickly.

The powder is pure matte white, translucent when it gets on your skin--unless you get a little powder-happy, then you're definitely gonna see some of the white build up. But hey, if you're going for the super pale look, might not be a bad thing! It has a kind of tea tree oil scent, probably to aid with the mattifying.

This stuff definitely mattes out the shine. This morning I put it on in the sunlight so I had a nice glare on my forehead (ugh lol) and I could see a distinct difference between where I put it and where I didn't. To my surprise, it made a noticeable difference under my eyes as well. I think something about the lavender-white tone helped chill out my undereye darkness. I also tried it out one day when I skipped my shower (gross, I know, but anything for the blog!) and was kind of surprised with how I didn't look like a complete greaseball. And it might actually help the oil buildup on my bangs--no real definitive evidence, though.

To be honest, it does its job adequately but in actuality it's no miracle worker. You do have to reapply throughout the day. I feel like it takes the shine away but not necessarily the actual oil. I mean, my skin feels velvety, but it's almost like I can still feel the oil underneath. I'm glad I have it because it's gonna come in handy in a lot of situations, but I wouldn't have spent $30 on it if I didn't have the gift card. There are probably cheaper products that would do a comparable job (other blue-tinted powders, blotting sheets, etc.).

Final verdict
Cost: $30 is a bit much for a product that didn't really "wow" me. You do get a lot, though, and it will probably last a pretty long time. At least the compact is pretty and the mirror's big.
Skin type: Oily to super oily. I have some dry skin on my nose (stupid allergies) and it made the powder show up a lot.
Mattifying?: It works--it takes the shine down. But it doesn't really absorb the oil. You will probably have to reapply a couple times through the day.
Repeat offender?: While I'm happy to have it and will probably use it until it's gone, I'm not sure if I would spend $30 on it again. I feel like I could get a cheaper product to do basically the same job.

On a side note, they have released De-Slick in a Tube. Check it out at their site. Nylon likes it, but it has some mixed reviews on Sephora.com. I'm glad I got the powder instead of the "gel" though--it seems like you get more and can use it when needed.

-T

Maybelline Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick, about $5

Unless I had a really terrible zit, I was always hesitant to put makeup over it--I would generally just dab it with the blemish stick and try to forget about it. I was always under the impression that makeup would make it worse. That's why I was really excited for Maybelline's Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick. It's a concealer stick (basically like an eyeliner pencil but for your face) that contains salicylic acid, so it covers your zits as it treats them.

The coverage is about as good as any concealer. It works really well when covering smooth surfaces, especially those painful underneath zits that are red and shiny and awkward. It does less well on pimples that have been popped and scabbed over--not a smooth surface, so the makeup doesn't blend as well. But, I have found that it does reduce redness and make my blemishes calm down a bit, all while giving me a little coverage...which is better than what other concealers do! Unfortunately I don't think they sell it anymore as a new item, but it can be found on Amazon for cheap.

Final verdict:
Cost: I think it was around $7 originally, now about $4-$5 on Amazon.
Coverage: Average--not spectacular but adequate. Does its job.
Salicylic acid: This makeup impressed me because it has ingredients to heal the problem, instead of making it worse. You don't have to choose between letting the skin heal or keep it looking good.
Repeat offender: I would buy this item again--I've kept it in my purse for emergencies and it has definitely come in handy. I don't think Maybelline still sells it but it's available through Amazon.

-T

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, $10

Testimonial: Last August, my skin started breaking out for no reason. And when I say "my skin," I mean everywhere--my face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. I've always had acne-prone skin (mostly my chin and--yes, I'll admit it--my back), but I had never gotten anything on my shoulders. All of a sudden I had all these little bumps, and they wouldn't go away. I went to a dermatologist, who barely looked at me and gave me all these topical treatments. Nothing worked. My skin was getting worse--breaking out even more and getting extremely sensitive. I was mad. She told me to buy a cleanser that was about $30. It seemed to work okay but nothing magical. One day I left it at my boyfriend's house and I had nothing to use. My brother had some Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin that I never felt like trying but now, I needed something. I'm glad I tried it because this stuff is GREAT.

Cetaphil's Daily Cleanser is clear, thin, and slippery (I know, I know, weird word choice, but you know what I mean!). I use about 2 pumps per area; its thinness makes it easy to spread out a small amount. It foams a little bit but not too much. While I was using it for the first time I thought, "There's no way this is doing anything." It's so gentle and non-irritating--but don't let the gentleness fool you! Right after the first wash my skin felt clean and tight (you know I love that feeling). I had washed my face at night and the next day my zits and pores were smaller (the very next day!). I kept using it and after a week or so the bumps on my chest and shoulders were gone, and my face and back look better than they have in a loooong time.

Cetaphil has greatly reduced my breakouts and made the ones I do get smaller and less lingering. I do recommend using a moisturizer afterward because it leaves your skin kinda dry. I'm also going to try a new exfoliating scrub to add to my routine--while this is an awesome cleanser, it doesn't do much for blackheads, and I feel like I need some dead skin scrubbed off. More on that later!

Final verdict
Cost: $10 for a 16 oz. bottle is a great price, especially compared to high-end brands and that $30 stuff the dermatologist made me buy. And it lasts a long time!
Skin clearing: OMG, my skin is much happier. It soothed my pissed off skin and shrank my pores. But, maybe I'll add a scrub to take care of my blackheads.
Skin type: This one is made for normal to oily skin. I have sensitive combination skin and this is perfect for me. They also have a Gentle Skin Cleanser for very sensitive skin (skin conditions like severe acne, rosacea, or eczema, even for children).
Repeat offender: Yes! If you have troubled skin and nothing is helping, give this a try. I will buy this again and again and recommend it to everyone.

-T

PS, back to makeup: Sephora.com is selling this Smashbox Cream Eyeliner set for only $15! Want want want.