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April 29, 2007
Judith remembers favorites from Renee Rouleau
It's been six years since I first reviewed Renee Rouleau's skincare products. I'm always happy to revisit Renee's products because many them still remain on my list of all-time favorites. On the Renee Rouleau easy-to-navigate website, you will find descriptions of nine different skin types, making it easy to choose the products that will work best for you. I truly appreciate the fact that products are featured for so many types of complexions and not a one or two product fit all routine as some companies promote.
The products I chose are for Skin Type #7, Dry/Dull/Sluggish/Anti-Aging, as I had found my complexion looking dull and sluggish this winter. While probably just as much a result of aging as from winter weather, a new routine was just what I needed to make a much needed change and to help get my glow back!
I started out using my all-time favorite Gentle Gel Cleanser ($27.50) in the morning. Containing aloe vera, cocoa butter and glycerin, this cleaner leaves my face silky smooth, soft, immaculately clean and ready to start my day.
Followed by a swipe of Ginseng Mineral Toner ($21.50), which contains no alcohol but leaves my face feeling refreshed from Ginseng and Witch Hazel, I follow up with another of my all-time favorites, Vitamin C & E Complex ($59.50 for 1 oz.). Just a couple of drops of this serum is enough to provide anti-oxidants to all skin types for the day, and is especially beneficial for those of us who are fighting the aging process, While more expensive than most of Renee Rouleau's products, I find Vitamin C & E Complex one of her best products and one that should be on your list of basics. A little bit goes a long way, making it a great investment towards maintaining a healthy complexion.
Renee's latest addition to her sun protection range is her Daily Protection SPF 30 sunscreen ($28.50), which contains Vitamin C and Japanese Green Tea, in addition to transparent zinc oxide. On a recent trip to Europe where the weather was in the mid 70's for one leg of our trip and in the low 40's for the rest of the trip, I used this, along with the Vitamin C & E Complex, as my daily moisturizer. In addition to excellent sun protection, it also is a great lightweight moisturizer that isn't at all greasy and that makes a nice matte surface for my foundation. A dab of Eye Moist ($34.50) does a great job on the laugh lines around my eyes, leaving a nice matte finish.
At the end of the day, when I want to remove every trace of makeup, including mascara and eye makeup, Rosemary Mint Cleanser ($27.50) is a refreshing milky cleanser whose deep cleaning properties do the trick! Peppermint oil and Rosemary extract are great for circulation and work well for me.
For my evening routine, I use Glycolic Serum Plus 17% ($39.50) every other week. Unlike other glycolics I have tried, this extremely gentle formula is great for smoothing my skin and helping to fade the uneveness. It is completely non-irritating, meaning no flaking or peeling. I had not used this in a couple of years and had forgotten how great it was. I could really see a change within one week of use! It was exactly what I needed to bring back my glow. I will be using it from now on.
The rest of my evening routine consists of a few drops of Swiss Collagen Complex ($37.50), which increases the elasticity of collagen fiber, which we lose as we age. Used together with Swiss Collagen Cream, which is a rich, but gentle moisturizer containing shea butter and a blend of vitamins A and E, the results speak for themselves. For colder, more extreme, skin drying weather, which we didn't have much of this year, I still love Renee's Hawaiian Nourishing Cream ($72.50), a heavy duty treatment cream containing Red Marine Algae (and probably the closest match to Creme de la Mer I have ever tried).
One or twice a week, while in the shower, I use Mint Buffing Beads ($26.50) for a tingly exfoliation. While the peppermint oil in this product may be irritating to some, I find it most refreshing!
As you can probably tell, since my first review of Renee Rouleau's products in 2001, my enthusiasm for them has not waned! Renee's products are straightforward with easy to follow directions and ingredients that are kind to my aging, somewhat sensitive skin. While more expensive than most drugstore products, I find her products a great value for the money, because in all cases, a little goes a long way. ReneeRouleau.com is definitely a site to visit and revisit! You won't be sorry!
Happy Shopping!
- Judith
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Posted by heather at 9:34 PM
April 9, 2007
Denise takes some time to "de-frazzle"
De-frazzle.com is an online boutique developed with a singular purpose: to offer products that are aimed at helping women to relax, unwind, and in effect, "de-frazzle" from the stresses of everyday life. The masterminds behind de-frazzle.com have searched far and wide to gather a wonderful variety of products, from bath and body indulgences to luxurious pajamas, slippers, and candles. Many of the products offered on de-frazzle.com are fragrance-related, from the latest "cult scents" to yummy-scented bath bombs. I find it somewhat difficult to review fragrance products, because fragrances are such a personal, individual preference. Something that I like, or that smells good on my skin, might not work for you. But I'll do my best to at least describe some of the high quality products that are available on de-frazzle.com, and then you will have the fun of trying them out for yourself!
Lucky Chick Mimosa, Jasmine, and Violet Sugar Scrub ($22)
This pink (yes, pink!), sweet smelling sugar scrub is so much fun to use! The sugar granules enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E polish skin to a glowing perfection. The scent is a faint, not over-powering floral mixed with hints of cucumber, melon, and berries. It's a very feminine and relaxing scent, and a superb body scrub. This is a great one for turning an everyday shower into a spa experience. Here's a little bonus tip - I found that this scrub is also awesome for exfoliating dead, dry skin off of your lips.
Ooohlala of Beverly Hills Sooo Pink bath bombs ($20)
I'm usually pretty skeptical when it comes to bath bombs, because it seems that so many of them just don't live up to the hype. They're either too heavily scented, or they simply dissolve away to nothing in the bath, leaving no beneficial bubbles, scent, or moisturizers behind. I was pleasantly surprised, however, with the Sooo Pink bath bombs from Ooohlala of Beverly Hills. The de-frazzle website describes the scent as a combination of green and floral notes. I was happy to note that the scent comes across as more green tea with a hint of jasmine, instead of an overpowering floral blend. Ooohlala's bath bombs are all packed full of cocoa butter and other yummy skin moisturizers. My favorite part about these bath bombs is actually the way my bathroom and shower smell for days afterwards.
BE by Becker/Eshaya fragrance ($45)
The BE fragrance is the collaboration of two well-known figures in the fashion world, Kristen Becker and John Eshaya. The scent is nice and subtle, with a hint of mandarin layered on top of seductive vanilla and faint floral notes, all in a base of sandalwood. The eau de parfum pen is super handy for tucking into your purse for everyday use. I have actually gotten compliments on this scent, so it must work for me!
Monyette Paris Oil Roll-on ($45)
This perfume is a combination of essential oils, and it is fairly concentrated. A little dab goes a long way, but that is not to say that the scent is unpleasant; in fact, it's quite the opposite. At first whiff (from the bottle), I thought this fragrance would be too floral and sweet for my taste. However, it was very different when I put it on. It smelled much warmer on my skin, and I could really detect the essence of Nag Champas, an earthy vanilla-like scent that I love. Again, fragrance is very much a matter of personal preference, but I can see why this scent by Monyette made the list of five cult perfumes on style.com.
- Denise
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Posted by heather at 4:48 PM
April 6, 2007
Denise tries FACE atelier
The founder of FACE atelier, Debbie Bondar, is a 50-something mom of two grown daughters, who has a law degree, a BS in journalism, and a BA in English Lit under her belt - and is now spearheading this up-and-coming cosmetics company. This amazing woman just keeps on setting the bar higher and higher, and then accomplishing the goals she has set for herself, which is very inspiring to me. I highly encourage all of you to read Debbie's amusing and poignant "dish" blog-esque entries that are posted on the FACE website. They consistently bring a smile to my face. But I digress... The true focus of this review is the FACE atelier line of products that, incidentally, are favorites of celebrities and makeup professionals alike. In fact, FACE atelier was the official makeup sponsor of Madonna's Confessions tour in 2006. I tried several products from the FACE atelier line, and I can see why they have received such rave reviews from celebs and everyday femme fatales alike.
Ultra Foundation ($39)
This product is the "flagship" of the FACE atelier line, and with good reason. The silicone-based formula makes Ultra Foundation glide onto your skin like silk, and it somehow seems to just sit on top of any fine lines and imperfections, yet it lasts all day without creasing. I'm still baffled as to how this works, but it really does. Ultra Foundation also has superb coverage; I use a small pump or two for my whole face. The instructions on the website say to apply with a foundation brush, which is probably even more effective than the foundation sponge that I've been using. But regardless, I've been so happy with this find, and I'm pretty picky when it comes to foundations. The coolest thing about Ultra Foundation? You can totally customize the shades to match your skin tone exactly. With a tiny dab of either Zero Minus to lighten or Zero Plus to darken the foundation, you will end up with perfectly matching makeup every time, all year round! I point that out because, especially here in the desert southwest, no matter how much sunscreen I pile on, my skin tone naturally darkens even a tiny bit in the summer months. Normally that would necessitate buying a different shade of foundation for winter and summer months, but that's no longer the case! I have been using shade #2 Ivory with just a tiny touch of Zero Minus, and it is perfect for my winter-pale skin. Another fun thing that I've discovered about the Zero Minus is that it makes a great highlighter for cheekbones and brow bones when applied alone, either before or after foundation. The only down side is that FACE products do not contain any sunscreen, so make sure that you are wearing a separate product with SPF in it, which you should be doing anyway, right?
Ultra Pressed Powder ($24)
FACE atelier's powder selection is somewhat limited, yet adequate. They offer the basic pressed and loose powders in three universal color choices. I tried Ultra Pressed Powder in the light shade. The color is a little bit on the orangey-side for my taste, but not so much that it's noticeable with the proper application. I use a fluffy powder puff to apply a light coat of powder on my face; I think that a big powder brush would probably work even better, but I always feel that is wasteful when using pressed powder. I would like to try the FACE atelier double-sifted Ultra Loose Powder, too. All in all, I've been satisfied with the performance of FACE's Ultra Pressed Powder. It does leave my face with a nice, matte finish that lasts for most, if not all, of the day.
Lash RX ($19)
FACE atelier's Lash RX is a lash therapy treatment and primer in one. Its creamy formula is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen and protect lashes. As the instructions suggest, I tried to use Lash RX under mascara to increase the length and volume of my lashes, but that didn't work out too well for me. I found that the Lash RX, while it does add volume and length, takes any hint of a curl out of my lashes. This left me with long and full, but sticking-straight-out eyelashes. I really like this product as a lash conditioner, though. I apply a coat at night before bed and let the active ingredients work all night long. I have definitely noticed less stray and lost eyelashes since I've been using Lash RX, which is okay by me!
Sculpt Mascara ($22)
I love Sculpt Mascara in Midnight. I'm not sure if it's the special brush, which leaves virtually no clumps at all, or the silicone-based formula which makes the mascara extra long-lasting, but I'm a fan. The color is deep and true, and doesn't flake or smudge. The mascara really doesn't have any "curling" properties, which is okay since I always prep my lashes with a mascara curler anyway. I usually apply two coats, and that gives me long dark lashes all day long. One of my favorite things about FACE atelier's mascara formula is that it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes at all. This is a great product with a reasonable price tag.
Lip Glaze ($19)
This is probably my least favorite product that I tried from the FACE atelier line. That's not to say that I disliked it - it is a nice product, but there's really nothing that special about it. I tried Lip Glaze in both Peach and Clear. I prefer the nice, subtle Peach shade, although it is a bit too frosted for my taste. The great thing about FACE's Lip Glaze is that they go on smooth and not sticky at all, which is a nice change in the world of lip glosses. When the Peach glaze wears off, it leaves an unbecoming frosted residue on the lips, so I try to remember to reapply often to avoid this. The formula is very moisturizing and the result is soft and super shiny lips, as long as they last. Lip Glaze comes in five different shades. I would like to try the Arctic Gold glaze, as it looks like it might be a more subtle shimmer than the Peach. At any rate, for the price, there are several other lip glosses that I'd choose before this one.
FACE atelier is a quality line of products that is adored by makeup artists and is slowly gaining a faithful following of devoted makeup junkies like us. You can check out the full line of FACE products on their website, faceatelier.com, and even buy samples of many of the products for $1.00 before committing to a full-sized purchase. But you can take my word for it, especially with FACE's Ultra Foundation, you won't be disappointed.
- Denise
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Posted by heather at 10:08 AM
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