September 29, 2000
We've had some gloriously sunny and warm days here in Portland
recently, but we all know that chilly fall weather is just
around the corner. If your skin is acting a little confused and
unhappy, join the club! It's time to update your skin care
routine so your skin gets everything it needs, but wanting great
new products and actually finding them is not as easy as it
sounds. Here are a few I've tried lately.
B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Vitamin Face Cleanser ($42 for 8.5oz)
I selected this product for dry to normal skin based on its
description "ultra-gentle skin lotion that thoroughly cleanses
and removes residues from the skin's surface without irritating
or depleting moisture content" - imagine my surprise when I
discovered "refined nut shells" listed on the ingredient label!
This exfoliating cleanser is not my idea of ultra-gentle, which
is too bad because the lotion aspect of it is very nice. The nut
shells are rough and make it impossible to use this cleanser
around your eyes. For my sensitive skin, I am disappointed. I
can't imagine who would be happy with this, since it's too thick
and rich for an oily skin type that might not mind the scrub
grains, and it's too scratchy for anyone with dry or sensitive
skin.
B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Revitalizing Booster Concentrate ($59 for 1.7oz)
This is the closest thing I have found to duplicate the great
results I got from La Mer Moisturizing Lotion, and it's half the
price! This lotion is specified for sensitive, irritated and
reddened skin, and/or skin that needs relief from AHA
irritation, microdermabrasion, rosacea, or related conditions or
trauma. The main active ingredient in this and all B. Kamins
products is their Bio-Maple compound, described on their site as
a "naturally occurring balance of anti-oxidants, vegetable
hormones, polysaccharides, minerals and AHA acids extracted and
purified from selected Canadian maple trees." I can't speak to
all those claims, but I can say that the redness in my skin from
blemishes or general irritation looked better after applying
this lotion. Revitalizing Booster is lightly moisturizing (for
dry skin, just layer a heavier cream over it) and contains
vitamin E, vitamin A, and chamomile, and is fragrance free. If
you find you are constantly battling redness and irritation,
this is a nice lotion to try for some relief.
B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Cellular Renewal Serum ($59 for 1.7oz)
I was hopeful for the same success with this product as I had
with the Revitalizing Booster, but I had no such luck. For some
reason, every time I used this serum, it made me breakout.
First, it was just an over-abundance of very clogged pores. Then,
as I continued to use it, the pimples got larger. I stopped
using it altogether, waited for my skin to clear up, then tried
it again to be sure that this serum was the culprit and not
something else. Again, more acne, and I honestly have no idea
why. This serum is designed for sun and environmentally damaged
skin and is supposed to act like an AHA to exfoliate damaged
skin and encourage the growth of new cells for a fresher,
healthier looking complexion. The only thing I can think of that
caused the reaction for me is the bilberry, lemon, sugar maple,
sugar cane and orange extracts right at the beginning of the
ingredient list - maybe the botanicals were too strong for me?
Cellular Renewal Serum also contains marine protein and their
Bio-Maple compound. I am hoping to get more opinions of this
product from our Panel because I think my skin's reaction was
strange at best...
I've gotten my B. Kamins products from Beautydoor.com. You can also get more information on B. Kamins Chemist at their
website, bkamins.com.
Back to Basics Raspberry Almond Intensive Conditioner ($9.50 for 16oz)
My hair tends to be dry (and I color it) so I am always looking
for a good conditioner that is rich enough without pouring the
whole bottle on my head at once. During a recent stop at Trade
Secret beauty supply here in Portland, I spotted this and
couldn't resist trying it. Back to Basics has a nice range of
products at decent prices, so I hope to review more of the line
in the future. I like this conditioner so much, I use it almost
every day! It instantly detangles, smells amazing, and leaves my
hair incredibly soft and manageable. Of all the conditioners
that I've tried and liked, this ranks up there with
Reflect.com's conditioner and Terax Crema, but Back to Basics is
so much more reasonably priced.
Renee Rouleau Honey Blossom Milk Bath ($27.50 for 9oz)
I moved into a new house recently and now have a deep soaking
tub, so I've put it to good use lately with this nicely scented
milk bath. Along with buttermilk powder and milk protein, this
soothing soak has shea butter, honey extract, and real dried
flower blossoms. I used mine more generously than the
instructions suggested: I used several handfuls of the mixture
rather than just one, and I think you'd want to, too. It makes
the water, and your skin, very soft and fragrant.
Renee Rouleau Honey Blossom Body Lotion ($21.50 for 8oz)
For the total honey bath experience, this lotion leaves your
skin divinely soft and silky, and smelling like honey and
flowers. Dry skin will appreciate its soybean oil, sweet almond
oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. I keep this one right on my
bathroom counter with my bottle of Fresh Milk Chocolate lotion
(for days when I feel the need for chocolate) and all my
perfumes.
For more information on Renee Rouleau spa products, like her
terrific Honey Tangerine Shower Gel, check out her site at
reneerouleau.com.