H2O+ Sea Results Line Mender

A great winter moisturizer.

Works very well on dry skin, even skin that is wind chapped from harsh Michigan winters.

Made my face look all nice & glowy.

Improved texture & vibrancy.

I will be using this cream to make it through next winter!

Totally stopped any crepe-y-ness.

Yoghurt Moisturising Face Cream by Korres

From RENEE:

This is a nice rich moisturising face cream. I have dry, sensitive skin and a small amount of this goes a long way. Leaves skin soft, with no greasy residue. I was sad when my sample ran out. I could see a difference of smoothness and brightness in my complexion after a week or so of daily use. It contains real edible yogurt (though I didn't sample ;o) but I prefer natural ingredients so was very happy with the results. Will definitely buy more.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew

This face moisturizer is great. It is fragrance free and light, but not runny or goopy at all. I have been using it on a regular basis and am loving it. SPF 15 is an added bonus. My face feels protected, moisturized and ready for the day.

SLEEKSkin from SLEEK MedSpa Oily-Acneic Skin Kit

SLEEKSkin indeed!

The Oily-Acneic Kit contains four products:

• De-clog to clean
• Tame to tone
• Clear to treat
• Moisture to (you'll never guess) moisturize

My skin actually got worse for the first two or three days, but I persevered & it cleared up!

I think the initial nastiness is from all the crap getting out of your pores.

Using the line, mostly the De-Clog and Moisture, got rid of all the lovely blackheads on my nose! It has even made a difference in the weird chin bumps I get.

I really like that it clears up effectively without making your skin an ashy, flaky mess!

If you are at all prone to breakouts, I would recommend the SleekSkin products any day, definitely better than ProActive!!!

Logona Naturkosmetic

I took Friday off work, and thought, why not be brave? So I was brave and gave Logona a try. While I love natural products, and have a fondness for Jojoba, Almond Oil and Calendula, my sensitive skin just can't handle it. *sigh*

I used the Light Beige (01) - just a tad pale for my odd mix of pink-with-yellow- undertones complexion. I loved the packaging - in my humble opinion all foundation should be in a squeezable tube! The scent is distinctive, lasting and a little bit too much. Kind of medicinal. The coverage was light - great for those looking for something in between a tinted moisturizer and a regular foundation. It promised to control oil, which it did - a miraculous feat on my super oily mug. But on the downside, it inflamed some already compromised areas on my face. If only I wasn't so sensitive...gee, where have I heard that before? LOL

Cosmedicine

Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion

This SPF 20 lotion is intended to subdue the shine, but I tested it twice and saw zero glare reduction. I tried a humid day and a not-so-humid day, and different sides of my face (to see if my side-parted hair was a factor) but the results were the same. I also noticed that my pores looked a little worse for the expirement.

And so my quest for non-irritating, non-zit inducing, shine control continues...

Lancome RÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E.

Nice.

Did no harm, but I really didn't notice any change in my skin.

That's usually good enough for me, but I'd hate to pay $80.00 for 1.7 oz when I can get something from the drugstore for $10.00 that also does not interrupt the status quo.

Maybe the changes occur during the second week of use, but the sample package (free with Sephora.com order) only lasted a week.

Oh, it did have that Lancome smell. If that's something you are into, go forth & buy. I think it is a dated, old smell--the product version of mothballs.

Pangea Organics

Pangea Organics reviews from Emily:

-Face wash: Not sure it is right for my skin type, doesn't feel as squeaky clean as I'd like.

-Face Scrub: Works pretty well, kind of chunky. I feel like scrubs work better if the scrubbers are smaller. Smells kind of funny, very "natural".

-Toner: Not sure I get the concept of a spray toner. I close my eyes and spray, and don't get my face. If I do, it feels weird. This one smells ok.

-Face Lotion: Smells kind of funny too, but is a good consistency and moisturizes well.

Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty reviews from Emily:
-Cleansing Gel: Love it, feels very clean without over drying.

-Oil-Free Moisturizer: Works well, usually need a little more moisture, ended up buying the green apple spf 15 moisturizer.

-Blemish Clearing Serum: Love it, I believe it has diminished scars and helps prevent new issues. I like to think it's a barrier between me and my make-up

-Green Apple Peel/Sensitive: Like it, but would like to try the regular (not sensitive).

** Bought a skincare kit from Juice Beauty via Sephora, loved it! Even came with eco-bamboo headband. **

Avene: Anti-bad skin!

Avene

Ysthéal+ lotion

Oddly carrot colored lotion, more of a cream consistency.
No real smell.
My skin LOVES it!!!!!!!!!!
Holy moley.
I usually don't use anything that contains mineral oil, but I gave this a try--clear, smooth skin!
I just put this on at night & voila!
I wonder what else I've been missing out on...

Skin Milk Cleanser & Lotion

Skin Milk
Foaming Face Wash
A nice, light face wash, not over-drying. Very creamy. Rinses well. Doesn't do any clever tricks, just cleans your face.
Facial Moisturizer
Smooth & creamy. Light, fresh scent that doesn't over-power. Keeps your face from drying out, makes skin feel nice. Not too heavy.
On a hunch, I had my friend's sister (Hi Nicki!) use it after getting sunburned. She said it was great. Makes sense--not menthol-ated like Noxema, but the milk proteins feel great on skin that has been overexposed to harsh conditions.
A great summer night lotion!

SPF Lotion: Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth
Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion - SPF 30
Nice.
Doesn't give me zits or mask-like feel.
No kabuki face.*
Goes on lightly, absorbs quickly. I like that it has SPF 30 w/ Parsol 1789 & is UVA & UVB blocking. Why bother if it's not full-spectrum?


*Kabuki Face--when your sunscreen gives your face a ghastly pallor. You look like you are wearing white kabuki pancake make-up.

LORAC - protecTINT

LORAC
protecTINT oil free tinted moisturizer
SPF 30
Tawny Temptress

My friend, Julie first introduced me to tinted face moisturizers about 4 years ago. I have since tried several different ones. This little sample from LORAC was perfect for a facial trial. The lotion was a little more creamy than the ones I have tried, but that may be because it was in a sample pouch and not a bottle/tube. It felt somewhat greasy, but did not make my face look greasy at all. The color was great. Not too much tint, but just enough to make my skin appear almost sun-kissed. You have to remember 2 things: 1) Make sure you distribute evenly over face and neck. 2) Wash your hands IMMEDIATELY after applying. It can make your hands look orange. The great thing about this is, if you have clear skin, you can use this instead of a foundation!

Cosmedicine: SPF Lotion

Cosmedicine

Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20

Maybe it's just me, & I have the worst luck w/Cosmedicine products. Do I get faulty samples, or just happen to test the products that suck?
I was excited to try this, as it promises to stop me from being a greasy mess & stop the sun from making me a wrinkly leather glove.
Squirted some of this into my hand & flashed back to elementary school, when we'd put the Elmer's glue on our palms & let it dry then peel it off. If only this lotion were that satisfying.
Yes, it feels thick & viscous like glue. Your face will know how paper feels, getting paste spread all over. After the initial gluey-face repulsion, I let the lotion sink in for a bit. Had to wash my hands, scrubbing with bar soap. Not a good sign. I then touched my face-rubber! So creepy.
After a few hours, I was still rubbery, but also slightly oily. I felt gross the whole rest of the day, which made me all moody & pissy. So, if you want to be shunned by friends, family, & co-workers & feel like the bottom if a shoe, go for this.

Avene oily skin products

AVENE
Cleanance soap-free facial cleanser
Cleanance anti-shine regulating lotion
These 2 products seem to work well enough, but I had to stop using them after a couple of tries, as the scent is VERY powerful. Not a bad smell, smells like the Gap Heaven perfume, but too much for me!
The cleanser is concentrated, so you only need a bit. The container with its twisty-dispensing is really cool, but hard to work with wet hands.

Cleanance acne spot treatment
Nice, not too harsh anti-zit cream with salicylic acid.
Smells so neutral, it's almost a non-scent.
Works well.

MAC Oil Control Lotion

MAC Oil Control Lotion
Goes on light & easily Keeps the shine down Very nice! Interacts badly with my sunscreen, so I wear it after I wash my face after getting home from work, if I go out at night...

Shiseido--The Skincare

Shiseido
The Skin Care
I have been using three of the products, a whole night time regime. My skin is more evenly toned, and my monthly breakout has been minimal! The products all have a good, minimal smell. Nothing greasy:) My skin is all glowy & clear right before I go to bed, not as glowy after my morning shower, but I think that has a lot to do with the very little bit of sleep in between those two events. Still looks pretty good considering!
Rinse-Off Cleansing Gel Cleans, for sure, but is super gentle. Non-foaming. I do wish it came in a pump, as opposed to the flip-top, as it is liquid and I am uncoordinated. No post-wash feeling of over-dry-mask-face, my face just felt clean.
Night Moisture Recharge Lotion in a pump, but with a cap so you can travel (not by air though, as it is a generous 75mL, 2.5 fl oz). Goes on smooths on easily & feels light. No gooey face or anything. Just feels nice, no bells or whistles.
Eye Moisture Recharge--Hello unpuffy eyes!!! The lack of puffiness also makes the dark circles look lighter. It's like magic, and all you need is a tiny dab. Does not irritate my eyes, which is great, because with these results I'd seriously consider using it anyway.