beauty-reviews

Striking Skin Care System

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:55:49 +0100

Information from the manufacturer

Whether you've diligently cared for your skin all along or have ignored it until now, Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides can help nurture, protect and revitalize your complexion. This simple yet effective group of products is the result of years of scientific research in developing peptides so precise they target anti-aging concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and signs of hormonal aging.

Our reviewer's experience:

I tested the four products from the Striking Skin Care System for a period of almost two weeks and followed the directions of use provided by washing my face every morning and evening with the Striking Multi-Vitamin Cleanser.

I then continued to apply the Striking Multi-Peptide Serum and finished with the Striking Rejuvenating Eye Cream and the Striking Restorative Moisture Cream.

My first thought when I saw the products was that their packaging is not exactly striking. The containers are made of white plastic with very simple labels. Not dire, but considering their price you would probably expect something fancier.

My skin is rather dry and I suffer from environmental allergies which can affect my face, so I need to be careful not to use products that make this condition worse. Also, I live in a very humid and hot place, which is good for my skin, but also makes it imperative that I use products with sunscreen all year round.

What I really loved about all four products is that they have no odor, they have a great texture and absorb wonderfully well. They did not leave my face feeling oily or crumbly.

The system is designed to be followed in four steps, and to be applied day and night. I am not really into investing so much time looking after my face, so I usually prefer more practical products, but in this case I think that following the four-step process is really worth it.

The products have been developed to treat the skin of menopausal women who are experiencing hormonal changes, and although I have not reached menopause yet, they did wonders on my two key problem areas: hydrating my skin and fighting crow's feet.

In the weeks that I used them, I noticed an improvement on the firmness of my skin, and the area around my eyes is in superb condition.

My least favorite of the four products was the cleansing cream, which is the first step of the system. I like removing make-up from my eyes and face with the same product, and since the cleansing cream is not for the eyes, I was forced to use two different products to complete the task. Therefore, at some point I started using the cleansing cream only at night and, probably due to this, the skin on my cheeks felt a little "tense." But I am sure that the product would be absolutely perfect for women with skin that is not as dry as mine.

The serum is very refreshing, feels great, is easily absorbed and does not need much quantity to do its job.

The eye cream was my favorite, and I used it generously. It did wonders on my delicate skin and also helped minimize puffiness and dark circles.

The face and neck cream is a great moisturizer, did not leave my skin feeling oily and allowed me to apply makeup with ease. The only drawback is that it does not contain sunscreen, so I had to apply one separately.

I definitely recommend these products to all women over forty. The SmartPeptides in them certainly do a great job on the skin of women our age.

Where to buy it online:
www.strikingskincare.com

Product rating:

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief 50ml

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:38:51 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
New and improved formula offers longer hydration for up to 12 hours. With new micro-molecules Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief allows quicker and more efficient moisturisation.

Our reviewer's experience:
When the weather starts to get cold, my skin starts to play tricks on me. I have seriously oily skin but in the winter I suffer from dry patches around my nose and lips, so when I wear foundation it just makes the dry patches look worse. I was desperate to find something that would sort out my problem and that's when I tested Clinique's Moisture Surge following a beauty adviser's recommendation.

This is not a cream, but a gel that is very light and absorbs amazingly quickly. The first thing I noticed is that my nose, which was terribly dry, improved after a few days use, and it did not look oily. My makeup looked flawless: the dry flakes were gone!

I am using it day and night, sometimes even over makeup. If it worked for me, I am sure that it would be a great product for any woman's skin type.

Where to buy it online:
Feelunique
Strawberrynet
FraganceX

Product rating:

MD Skincare Hydra Pure Oil Free Moisture 30ml

Sun, 10 May 2009 15:19:08 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
This product is a breakthrough, lightweight moisturiser, combining the latest in scientific research and advanced technology that will change the face of skincare, now in an oil-free formula. The Hydra-Pure Chelating Complex removes harmful impurities left on the skin by tap water and increases the penetration of active ingredients. Heavy metals such as Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Lead and Zinc are neutralised and pulled off the surface of the skin reducing irritation and dryness. Used internally for decades, Dr. Gross is the first to use a topical application-the proprietary technology of the Hydra-Pure Chelating Complex.

Our reviewer's experience:
This product was highly recommended to me as I have always suffered from very oily skin and acne, even though I am already well into my forties. It absorbs well, made my skin smooth and it helped decrease breakouts and irritations considerably during the time I tested it. But, the scent is rather strong, and I have an accute sense of smell, so that's where it lost one star on the rating.
I love the fact that this is natural product because it shows: it felt very light and as if my skin was being detoxified. I used it twice a day and my makeup looked absolutely great after I applied it every morning on top of it.

Where to buy it online:
FragranceX
SkinStore.com
Zuneta
Beauty Expert
Strawberrynet

Product rating:

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:53:18 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
A mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled. Diorshow Mascara is Dior's original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever.

Our reviewer's experience:
I have large almond-shaped eyes, which I believe to be one of my biggest assets. But, unfortunately my lashes are straight, fair in color and very scarce - and have been getting scarcer since I hit my 40s. As a result, testing mascaras has become on of my personal habits ever since I was a teenager (well over 20 years now!), and although I found some good ones over the years, nothing really impressed me until I tried Diorshow.

This mascara gave me full, thick, curly lashes without clumping or smearing. They look longer, although don't expect miracles if you have really short ones. One coat proved enough and I am happy that I have stopped using the curler that was damaging my lashes so much.

Diorshow is a must have mascara for any woman who likes a professional finish on her makeup.

Note: This review is for the Diorshow mascara in color black.

Where to buy it online:
Strawberrynet
Amazon
CosmeticMall.com

Product rating:

This Works Turbo Balm 10g

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:36:09 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
This Works is an award-winning natural bath, body & skincare line from ex VOGUE Beauty Director, Kathy Phillips. This Works is serious about Aromatherapy. No compromises are made in choice or cost of essential oils. Turbo Balm is a nourishing blend of Tahitian Manoi, Cocoa Butter, Rose and Coconut that's hydrating, soothing and deeply moisturising. Ideal for dry heels, elbows, lips, cuticles or anywhere where skin feels dry and rough. Turbo balm contains no mineral oil or preservatives. Benefits: keeps skin soft and moisturised, ideal for any dry patches, contains no mineral oil or preservatives.

Our reviewer's experience:
I fell in love with this range of products as soon as I saw their packaging, but not being a marketing review, I went straight ahead to test their balm. I always have a balm in my handbag, mainly because, as many forty-somethings, I suffer from very dry skin and cracked lips, especially when I travel to dry or very cold places.

This Works balm, does work! It kept my lips really smooth and, although I felt that the claim of a being a 'do it all' balm was a bit too much, I gave it a try it on my dry elbows with good success.

It has a pleasant smell, the ideal size to carry with you, a light texture, and is 100% natural. What else can you ask for?

Where to buy it online:
Zuneta
The Beauty Room
Beauty Expert
Shop.com

Product rating:

Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower 300ml

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:24:16 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
Transport yourself to steamy faraway shores with this highly exotic new bathing therapy. This is one of Molton Brown's most indulgent, skin pampering formulas ever. Benefits: moisturises the skin, excellent for muscle pains, leaves skin exotically fragrant.

Our reviewer's experience:
I have very dry skin and need to heavily moisturise after I take a bath or shower; so the concept of a shower gel that would leave my skin without the need of a body lotion was totally foreign to me. That's until I discovered Molton Brown gingerlily bath and shower gel!

Due to my work, I travel frequently and have the opportunity to stay at many different types of hotels. I always love it when hotel toiletries are branded as it is a good opportunity to try new products. On a recent trip, the hotel I was staying in was stocked up with Molton Brown's goodies. After a long working day, I decided to take a long bath and try the Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower gel offered - and what a pleasant surprise!

It smells absolutely lovely and my skin was totally moisturised. I gave it a try without putting on any body lotion afterwards and I could not tell the difference. A real size bottle now has a VIP place on my bath's shelf.

Where to buy it online:

Amazon UK
Beautyexpert.co.uk
Spalook.com

Product rating:

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:57:13 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
Natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating papaya and calming pineapple smooth and clarify the complexion. This rinse-off exfoliating cream contains nourishing milk protein, anti-oxidant rich Vitamin E and marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect skin. Perfect for complexions which are sensitive or mature.

Our reviewer's experience:
I have very sensitive but oily skin, which means that I have to be very careful with the choice of exfoliator I use. I have to avoid using grainy exfoliators as they make my skin blemish. Despite its name, this Enzyme Peel by Elemis is not one of those masks that you apply on your face and then have to peel off, rather, you apply it on your face, leave the fruit enzymes to do their job for 15 minutes and then you just rinse it off.

I loved the way it made my skin feel and it smells amazing! This is the ideal product if you are looking for good exfoliation with minimum irritation. And as the manufacturer puts it: the product is perfect for mature skins!

Where to buy it online:
The Beauty Room
Strawberrynet

Product rating:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm 50ml

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:52:22 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
The secret of instant radiance. Beauty Flash Balm is ideal for a quick "pick-me-up" before an evening out or whenever you want to erase signs of fatigue. Ideal for all skin types any time of day. Ingredients : - Algae extracts - Olive - Rice - Witch hazel (Anti-free radical, Astringent, Protects). Method of Use: As a regular or pick-me-up beauty treatment.

Our reviewer's experience:
I had been working a lot of late nights when I was introduced to this product. I know Clarins very well and always had it in my mind as a good, serious, but rather pricey brand; so when I had a special night out where I needed to look 'radiant' I hoped that this beauty flash balm would do the job. And I was not disappointed!

I used it as a treatment every other day for a week before the big event, applying a thick layer over my face. I waited for about fifteen minutes and then removed it with cotton wool. The day of the event, I applied it before my make up and I truly looked good. Make up stayed all night and a couple of people mentioned how good I looked!

This product really does what it says on the box. And it is perfect for the forty-something woman skin. I talked to a beauty adviser about it, and she mentioned that she would not recommend it for younger skins, they simply don't need it.

Where to buy it online:
Direct Cosmetics
Amazon UK
Amazon.com

Product rating:

Phytomer Unique Anti Cellulite Cream 150ml

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:05:35 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
A scientific first and a true cosmetic revolution. Phytomer research has mastered the exceptional power of a new marine ingredient: Algicelite. Concentrated at the heart of a twice patented, penetrating emulsion, this unique ingredient has three complimentary effects:

- Reduces the appearance of excess weight
- Reduces the appearance of fat reoccurrence
- Helps diminish the appearance of cellulite

Our reviewer's experience:
I am about to turn 40 and have suffered from cellulite ever since I was a teenager. Hence I have tried pretty much every anti-cellulite product available in the market. I love Phytomer as a brand I found out about when I first went to a spa many years ago, so I was almost certain that this would be a good experience.

The product claims that it helps reduce the appearance of excess weight and fat reoccurrence. I am not overweight at the moment, but my thighs are very big compared to the rest of my body and this excess mass did not really disappear after using the product.

It also claims diminishing the appearance of cellulite. I have to say that it did not disappear completely, but my skin felt much smoother and not so orange-peel like, it definitely looked much better! I used it for less than the 28 days recommended, so I expect results to be even more impressive with a longer treatment.

Where to buy it online:
Beauty Expert
The Beauty Room

Product rating:

Gatineau Diffusance Eye Gel 15ml

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:49:18 +0100

Information from the manufacturer:
This exceptional cooling eye gel gives continuous hydration for up to 12 hours. The helix of moisturising cream is suspended in a soothing gel formula. Its simultaneous soothing and decongesting action helps to reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness and dark circles. Smoothes away dry lines and wrinkles.

Our reviewer's experience:
I only used a very small amount on each eye as was told, and despite my doubts of a gel being able to do much on the eye area, I was pleased with the results.

It did not do much for the fine lines, but it helped the dark circles. The puffiness was also gone noticeably!

If you need some help with dark circles and puffiness, we really recommend it. But if, as most forty-somethings, you are after something a bit stronger for fine lines around your eyes, then this product is not for you. You could use it in combination with a more targeted treatment for wrinkles.

Where to buy it online:
The Beauty Room
Beauty Expert

Product rating: