The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, $14.50

I have very sensitive eyes, so I've had trouble finding a makeup remover that doesn't irritate them. I've also had trouble finding a remover that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy (yuck!). So, I had resorted to using lotion as a make-shift remover--that is, until I tried The Body Shop's Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover.

The Body Shop's makeup remover is a thin, water-like formula with barely any scent.
(Almost invisible!)Using a cotton ball, I've been able to remove all kinds of makeup quickly and easily. I'm talking full-on primer, eyeshadow, liner, and mascara, all without irritating my eyes or the skin around them. (Keep in mind that I don't use waterproof mascara, so I can't judge how well it works on that!) Though I usually just wash the rest of my face to remove my blush, bronzer, and concealer, I could totally remove those with this as well. It leaves a dry, squeaky-clean finish--not greasy or oily at all. That being said, I like to use my Clinique All About Eyes directly after using the makeup remover to re-hydrate the delicate skin around my eyes, because it can leave it feeling a little dry.

While it doesn't irritate my eyes, it might irritate my contact lenses--though I'm not entirely sure. I had some trouble with my contacts bothering me, and when I stopped using this for a few days (and changed my lenses), they felt better. This was during allergy season, so I'm not ruling that out either. I think, as a contacts-wearer, you could still use this, but perhaps use it after you take them out at night or before you put them in in the morning. I'm still not sure if it bothers them, but I've been careful not to get it on my contacts, just to be safe.

Final verdict
Cost: $14.50 is reasonable for the regular 8.4 oz. bottle. You can also try the mini size for $4 if you're unsure, or if you need to carry it in an overnight bag.
Effective: So far, the remover has worked on everything I've worn. I don't wear waterproof mascara, though, so I can't judge its effectiveness on that.
Formula: It's thin, water-like, and nearly scent-free, perfect for those more sensitive to perfumes and greasy textures.
Repeat offender: I will buy this again. I've had great results and love how it leaves my skin feeling clean. Even though I use it almost every day, it seems to last a long time.

-T

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, $24.50

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is a lot like the Maybelline Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick I reviewed earlier this year--it's infused with salicylic acid to help get rid of acne. They stopped making the stick (I don't know why, I liked it!) but I'm hoping this might fill the void.

As Mirna mentioned in her entry yesterday, it's worth it to pay a little extra for quality makeup you're going to use all over your face. I trust Clinique's reputation as a high-end makeup brand. They're great for people with sensitive skin (like me) because they don't use fragrance and they guarantee that everything is allergy tested.

The foundation has a lot of coverage. It will definitely even-out your skin tone and doesn't add any shine (so it's great for oily skin). It goes on easily and feels smooth as it dries. It doesn't feel too heavy, but it still is a little heavy for a non-foundation wearer like myself. I couldn't wear it everyday, but I'd probably use it for a special occasion (especially if I want my skin to look nice in a photograph).

It's good to know that while you're wearing it it's not clogging your pores and making your zits worse--it's actually drying them up and medicating your skin while providing coverage. That being said, you might want to wear a light moisturizer underneath, especially if your skin is on the dry side, because the salicylic acid works to dry-up excess oil.

Final verdict
Cost: $24.50--about a mid-range price.
Coverage: The color blends really easily and covers very nicely.
Texture: It feels smooth and lighter than other foundations I've tried, but still not as light as a tinted moisturizer. (Too heavy for my daily routine, but I would use it for a special occasion.)
Added benefits: If your skin is sensitive and acne-prone, this might be the one for you. Clinique is known for its allergy-tested, fragrance-free products.
Repeat offender?: Just by trying this once, I can tell it's a high-quality product, made especially for people with finicky skin like mine. I personally wouldn't buy this because I'm not into foundation in general. But, if you have acne and you want to cover everything up completely, I recommend trying this. Maybe I'd thin it out with a moisturizer and create my own tinted moisturizer, or I might try their medicated concealer.

-T

Classic SGB: EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set, $13

We have yet to find other tools that are this soft and yet don't fall apart. Even the more expensive ones fall short!


I've bought a few makeup brush kits in my life, and have had my share of disappointment--the bristles fall out, the metal part comes off, or they're just not that soft. I started to think, "Are there brushes out there that are high quality, soft, not too expensive, and maybe even earth-friendly? Is this too much to ask for?" Then, Mirna showed me this brush set from EcoTools.

For $13, the EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set comes with a blush brush (pictured here), eyeshadow brush, angled brush, eyelash brush, and concealer brush--the 6th piece is the holder that keeps everything organized and protected. It even comes in a resealable plastic pouch (I put the brushes in it when I'm traveling).

These brushes are soft. I mean, really soft. And they're made really well--I haven't had any problems with bristles falling out or anything like that. They're cut evenly, which then distributes color evenly, and the handle is light and durable. Quite possibly the most exciting part is that they're earth-friendly: the handle is made from bamboo (low-impact resource), the aluminum on the handle is recycled, the roll is made from cotton and hemp, the pouch it comes in is totally reusable, and the bristles are synthetic and completely cruelty free. Awesome.

My cat approves.


Final verdict
Cost: Probably the best brushes you can find for such a low price. The cost of one Sephora brush gets you the whole kit! Totally worth it. Plus, it's available at a ton of places like Target and Walmart.
Quality: No one would believe you paid less than $20 for these. They are soft, work well, and are easy to use.
Guilt-free: Cruelty-free, natural and recycled materials, how can you go wrong?
Repeat offender?: If I somehow break one I'll definitely buy more in the future, but they've lasted me a long time! The holder really keeps them neat and clean, and after a year or so I haven't run into any problems. Makes a great gift!


-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

Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme, $18

So maybe I'm going through a quarter-life crisis or something, but I feel like I am getting some lines around my eyes. Ok, yeah, they're faint, but those 8x magnifying mirrors will get you overanalyzing everything. Anyway, since all the magazines do their best to indoctrinate us with "Prevention is Key!" messages, I decided to try to do something about it. I bought Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme partly because I want my eyes to look fab now and later, but mostly because I'm curious about royal jelly's role in beauty. Yes, royal jelly as in what they feed to bee larvae and queen bees.

Burt's Bees says that royal jelly is used because it is one of the most nutrient-rich substances in the world, containing tons of amino acids and vitamins. It is supposed to help smooth skin and reduce the effects of aging.

The first thing I noticed is its amazing scent. Oh man, it smells like a dream--honey, cream, and flowers. Mmm.

Also, it's super creamy. Its water-based formula is more thin than most eye creams, but this makes it feel like it's soaking right into your skin. It's cooling and soothing. It says to use it in the morning or evening, but I'd wear it at night only. It leaves your skin kind of slippery and I'd be afraid of my makeup sliding right off.

Final verdict
Cost: At first $18 seems kind of a lot for a tiny jar of cream (0.5 oz), but you really only need the tiniest amount. I can't see myself finishing it! Plus, it has royal jelly in it. How many products can claim that?
Texture/smell: Super creamy/heaven.
Anti-aging?: So, has it helped diminish my 24-year-old eye lines? I don't really know. These kinds of things are so subjective. Plus, I have to admit I haven't been using it as consistently as I should. But, I feel like the skin around my eyes has more life when I wake up, like it's brighter.
Repeat offender: I'd buy this again, sure. I really like the way it feels and I feel like it brightens up my skin. Honestly, I can't tell if it's significantly helping in the anti-aging crusade, but I know it can't hurt!

-T

"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!

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.

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion, $7-9

The first time I smelled this lotion I was at my friend’s house on a hot summer day. We were just hanging out getting ready for some thing or another and we “borrowed” her sister’s lotion. My reaction? The smell, oh the smell, the sweet milk and honey smell is what did me in, and the next day I had to have my own bottle.

This lotion is formulated for the sensitive and soft skin of a baby so you can imagine the gentleness. The lotion is not too thick but don’t let the more liquidy-texture fool you, it hydrates just as well as a super thick lotion, but since it is an all-natural product many of those thickening agents are left out. I think it is a perfect light weight moisturizer for the summer when you don’t want to feel a gooey buildup on your skin. I would also highly suggest this for anyone who has an issue with sensitive skin, even on the front of the bottle it says “for sensitive skin of all ages.”


Final verdict:
Cost: Priced between 7 and 9 dollars, one 7 oz bottle will last you a while. You can also find this bottle of lotion with a pump sometimes, to make it easier to apply.
How does it smell?: The smell is pretty mild but definitely noticeable. It has that soft and fresh scent that many baby products contain but it also has a hint of milk and honey in my opinion. There is actual buttermilk in this product (it is in powdered form so don’t worry you don’t have to refrigerate or anything lol) so there is a creamy and sweet element added.
Repeat offender?: Yes, I love Burt’s Bees products in general and once I am out of the Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion I will definitely pick up another bottle.
-M

PS—There is a Clinique sale on Gilt.com today starting at noon! If you don’t have an account leave a comment with your email or email me at sweetglowbeauty [at] gmail.com and I’ll send you an invite!

Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser, $8

Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser is an all-natural cleanser made with natural oils, including orange oil and olive oil, intended to cleanse your face without stripping it of moisture. I received it from a coworker who wasn't entirely thrilled with it. She described her experience this way: "You know how ancient civilizations would use oil to cleanse? It kind of felt like that." She explained that it didn't lather and didn't leave her feeling clean. Even though I have the same type of combination skin as she does (dry in some places, oily in others), I decided to try it.


The orange oil means it smells amazing, like fresh oranges. As I was washing with it, I understood what my coworker meant--it definitely does not lather at all, which I'm okay with. I know a lot of all-natural products don't lather very much because they haven't added the unnatural ingredients that lather just for show; regarding face wash, this isn't a problem for me.

When I rinsed my face, I had to use a warm washcloth to really get the cleanser off. Otherwise, it just felt like it was still there. After drying, I noticed that it did clean off my makeup and did not strip my face of oils. It felt soft and moisturized. The problem is that I already have oily skin. I actually enjoy that "stripped," tight feeling--it makes me feel clean. I replace my face's moisture with moisturizer (with SPF) so I can keep it under control. While it did not leave my skin feeling oily, I felt anxious that my oil would come back later in full-force. The ingredients did say to follow with a toner.

Final verdict
Cost: $9 is a reasonable price for a facial cleanser, especially an all-natural one.
Experience: It smells amazing, doesn't lather, and doesn't leave that tight feeling that some people hate (not me, though, I love it).
Skin type: This would work best for sensitive and dry skin.
Repeat offender: I wouldn't buy this again--I don't think it's made for my kind of skin. I like Burt's Bees though, so I might try their other facial cleansers.

-T

PS--UrbanDecay.com is having a 30% off sale! Use promo code 1SFNF at checkout. Good until April 19!

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme, $9

Burt's Bees is an awesome brand. They have hundreds of products that range from shampoo to makeup to baby soap. They use recycled materials and natural ingredients that have been proven safe.

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme is one of their popular hand moisturizers. This immensely thick cream is loaded with almond oil (1st ingredient on the label) which is amazing for dry skin, but does leave a slightly oily (but not slimy) feel. In the winter the oil is a nice protective layer, but might be too much for some people. It has that familiar cherry-almond scent, though I must warn you: if you don't love that smell you will not want to buy this. The smell is very strong, but I happen to enjoy it--it fades a little after you apply it, but leaves a good amount of fragrance.

In the end, it's a good moisturizer for seriously dry hands and feet if you enjoy the smell and don't mind the (all-natural!) oil.

Final verdict:
Cost: Burt's Bees products get a rep for being really expensive, but they're not too bad--especially because they make great stuff. $9 is a reasonable price.
Skin type: Definitely for use on severely dry skin. Because of their natural ingredients, it won't irritate sensitive skin.
Scent: I enjoy the strong cherry-almond scent but if you don't, it will be overwhelming.
Repeat offender: I can't see myself using this entire tub because you only need a very small amount. I will, however, continue to buy Burt's Bees products--I've loved nearly every one I've tried!

-T

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer, $1.50-$7

Sometimes, the simplest things are also the best. Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer (shown here in the 3 oz. size, around $1.50 at Target) is one of those things. This is your most basic, no-playin'-around kind of lotions: non-greasy, non-smelly, and fully moisturizing. I keep the small container in my purse, mostly for moisturizing my hands after using the office bathroom soap--can't stand that too-dry feeling! Since you only need to use a tiny little bit, this stuff lasts forever. I'd recommend it for people of all ages and skin types as a nice lotion to use all year.

Final verdict
Cost: Very affordable. Plus, you can get a big size to keep at home or a convenient small size, like the one pictured above, to carry in your bag or to keep at work.
Feel: Moisturizes without leaving any greasy feeling or overwhelming scent.
Repeat offender: Yes. After having my first one for about 6 months (with daily use), finally got another one. I'm really happy with it.

-T

Trader Joe’s Oatmeal & Honey Soap, $1.99

For the longest time I would only use body washes and completely snub barred soap. I thought that soap bars were more prone to dry out my skin and not actually produce a good lather, but I was definitely wrong. I also suffer from really super sensitive skin, and not just on my face. In the winter months my legs get so dry that I feel like ripping my own skin off. I did a little research and found out that oatmeal is a really good “cure” to dry skin so I started my hunt for a soap that contained oatmeal to help with the itching. I went straight for body washes that claimed to be infused with oatmeal to help with itchy skin but none of the ones I tried really helped.

I picked up Trader Joe’s Next to Godliness Oatmeal & Honey Soap on a trip to my former place of employment (I remember stocking the soap on the shelf but I had never tried it!). For $1.99 you get 2 full bars of soap (4 oz each) that are made with just a handful of really recognizable (and natural) ingredients. I didn’t think this soap would do the trick but this mild soap is perfect for those of us with dry skin. Not only is it infused with flecks of oatmeal that are so fine you can hardly tell they are there, but it has a really nice mild smell that leaves you feeling fresh and feminine (don’t worry boys you can use this soap too its not just for girls). The soap builds a nice lather that goes on the skin smooth and once rinsed off you can feel that your skin is moisturized. Without any added perfumes this soap is purely for the purpose of cleaning and soothing dry skin. This won’t replace the need to moisturize with a lotion like this one, but it will definitely help with the itchiness and soothe your dry and unhappy winter-abused skin.

Final verdict:
Cost: $1.99 for 2 full bars of soap (a good deal in my opinion)
Scent: Mild, clean, and soft
Repeat offender: I’ve been using this soap for months, I will definitely continue to (just hope Trader Joe’s doesn’t stop carrying it—they do that sometimes!)
-M