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Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:08 am  |
Hello Ladies! 
I went on a bit of a skincare and MU haul this past weekend and would like to share my finds with ya'll (from Texas so I get to say that!  )!
First up-
Dr. Brandt Pores No More-  Love this stuff!
Here is what the Sephora site says--
What it is:
Hides and treats pores, instantly minimizing their appearance and mattifying shine.
What it is formulated to do:
Microspheres diffuse light, minimizing pores for a smoother, more uniform finish. Absorbs oil, improving skin's complexion and reducing skin's oil production over time; preventing future breakouts.
This stuff works! Ive used a lot of pore Minimizers/Mattifiers and this one is by far the best. However if you are REALLY oily like me and have a orange peel texture this probably wont zap all your oil *all* day or hide your pores 100% -Im okay with that, heres why- It keeps me from having to blot for about 4 hours after applying MU, normally I have to blot before I even leave the house and again several times through out the day, with this once a day will do. It also makes an excellent MU primer, usually no matter what kind of MU I use it has slid off my face by 4 or 5 PM, not the case anymore, everything stays in place until I wash it off! No MU meltdown...Yea! Lastly, while it does not elimate all my pores (remember they are pretty big) it does really smooth my whole face out really nicely. Another bonus is its not heavy or stiff on your face, in fact I cant even feel it! Nor does it dry you out or emphasize dry patches.
I know this stuff is $$$ but considering the amount needed the tube could last at least 6 months (if being used all over the face, for just the t-zone it could last much longer).
I like that you can apply it under or over MU (havent tried over yet) and through out the day if you want without it clogging pores or caking up.
Ingredients: -Tea Tree: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and clarifying ingredient which is exceptional for treating acne prone skin.
-Methyl Methacrylate (Micro-spheres): Diffuses light so skin looks and feels smoother and more uniform hiding pores and irregularities in your skin. Absorbs oil while mattifying skin.
-Linum Seed Extract (Flax Seed): Reduces oil production.
-Pro Dimethyl Silanediol Salicylate: Soothing anti-inflammatory ingredient that restores pH in the skin while absorbing excess oil, preventing future breakouts. Has long-term ability to down pH level - a slight shift towards the alkaline pH provides an environment for skin problems such as acne (normal skin pH is 5.5 - acidic).
Description: Silky texture, very easy to spread. Light herbal scent that fades quickly.
Packaging: 1oz tube with a pump style top, not sure how easy it will be to get all the product out when it starts to get empty.
Price: $45USD for 1 oz, pretty $$$$.
Overall: Im loving it, will buy again!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P139005&categoryId=C13831
MUA reviews: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemID=80293/Pores_No_More/Dr._Brandt/Treatments/
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Second up-
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: Another hit!
Ive read about this stuff for years but never took the plunge because oily skins are always told you cant wear TM. Im so glad I finally tried it. I stopped using MMU a week ago after realizing it was 'effing clogging my pores like no ones business, Ill never go back, in fact after using this I shudder at the thought!
I got the lightest shade, Porcelain. Love it sooooo much! This is exactly what I have been looking for, "foundation" that makes my skin look like mine (very natural) only better...and stays put--this does ALL day! The moisturizer is not at all heavy on my skin, in fact if you have dry skin I think you might need a separate moisturizer. It has such a beautiful finish, not matte or overly dewy, just natural like skin should be. I use a light layer all over and add bit more on areas that need more coverage (two thumbs up for the layering capability). I use a light layer of my beloved UGG Soft Glo Finisher over it, not totally necessary to "set" it though.
The downside(s),if you have a lot to cover, such as huge under eye bags or dark acne scars this probably wont do it, youll need concealer. If you are very, very pale the shade selection might be a problem for you, Im pretty dang white and the Porcelain is a smidge too dark, however, by blending well it just makes me look healthy (eliminating the need for a bronzer) as opposed to being gastly like some very pale MU can do.
Active Ingredients: Octyl methoxycinnamate and menthyl anthranilate.
Other Ingredients: Purified water, cetearyl alcohol (and) PEG-40 Castor Oil (and) POE-20, dimethicone, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, cyclomethicone, DEA-ceryl phosphate, hexyl laurate, kalaya oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate), cetyl dimethicone copolyol, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, carbomer, methylparaben, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium ascorbate (vitamin C), propylparaben. May Contain: Titanium dioxide, iron oxides, mica.
Description: Very smooth, creamy application. No caking, streaking, or settling into fine lines. (Im crossing my fingers that it wont make me breakout.) 
Packaging: Squeeze tube, twist off cap. Sleek, portable packaging.
Price: $40USD for 1.5 oz, pretty $$$.
Overall: I REALLY like this and hope to all that is Holy it wont cause breakouts, will repurchase unless I find something better.
http://www.lauramercier.com/products/flawless_face/products/tinted_moisturizer/tinted_moisturizer/
MUA reviews: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemID=550/Tinted_Moisturizer/Laura_Mercier/Tinted_Moisturizer/
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Third up-
Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle: Another great product!
Here is what drustore.com says about it:
Soothing Vitamins & Minerals
Anti-Wrinkle
12% AHA
Fragrance-free
Oil-free
pH 4
Alpha Hydrox® AHA Souffle is a powerful natural exfoliant that works to smooth and soften your skin, restoring a younger appearance. The 12% AHA solution improves your skin's texture, elasticity and tone as it intensively nourishes the skin. Peptides and Green Tea work together to prevent free radicals from breaking down the skin, and to preserve your skin's firmness. You will see noticeably softer and more radiant skin from the first application.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and evens skin tone
Proven to show significant and measurable improvements in skin's condition after six weeks
Contains Peptides to help plump up and improve skin's texture
May prolong the effects of Botox® and Microdermabrasion
Helps to prevent signs of skin's premature aging with Antioxidant Vitamins and Green Tea
Contains Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid which is highly recommended by dermatologists
After 100% pure AHA crystals are liquified for cosmetic use, percentage of AHA is based on a 70% solution.
Ive used this for 5 nights with no irritation, everytime I get up I look like a snake with all the dead skin hanging off that has being exfoliated. After I wash my face all the dead skin comes off and my skin looks REALLY nice, even, glowing, soft and old brown acne scars are *dramatically* reduced. Im in disbelief that it works so well so quickly. Also Fab for drying up any spots that are trying to turn into something.
Ingredients: Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Stearic Acid, PEG 40 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Steareth 2, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein (Peptides), Green Tea Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, BHT.
Description: Firm, smooth white cream, easy to apply and spread. Can get oily if too much product is used. Can be used morning night or both, I use it at night only.
Packaging: 1.6oz glass pot, a bit bulky, might not travel well.
Price: $14-20USD depending on where you buy it. I got mine for $6.99 with a 5 dollar mail in rebate from Walgreens.
Overall: Very effective for me, will use up.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=141163&catid=50338&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=50338&trxp2=141163&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH
MUA reviews: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemID=67126/AHA_Souffle_12_percent_Glycolic_AHA/Alpha_Hydrox/Treatments/
That wraps it up, hope you ladies enjoyed the reviews!  |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:19 am |
Thanks Vonstella,
I love the AH souffle. I've been using it along with the AH cleanser since October. Sometimes I layer it over my bha/aha from IFP. I'd recommend trying the face mask that is 14%. Nice occsional pick me up for the skin. I think those products are the best kept drugstore secrets out there.
Kimberly |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:52 am |
Youre welcome Kimberly!
ITA! What great results for little $$$. Ill have to look into the mask, thanks! |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:28 am |
| BluesHeart wrote: |
Thanks Vonstella,
I love the AH souffle. I've been using it along with the AH cleanser since October. Sometimes I layer it over my bha/aha from IFP. I'd recommend trying the face mask that is 14%. Nice occsional pick me up for the skin. I think those products are the best kept drugstore secrets out there.
Kimberly |
I agree AlphaHydrox are such great products for the price. Their website (neotriccosmetics.com) always has great specials. I ordered the body wash and lotion from them on special and they also sent me a bunch of coupons. Right now they have B1G1 free on the 12% souffle, the peel, and the sheer silk moisturizer. |
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28 Fair skin, brown hair, blue eyes & acne prone combo skin |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:54 am |
| Thanks for the great reviews, VS! It's awesome that you happened upon so may great finds at once! Definitely keep us updated--- I hope that pretty porcelain skin of yours keeps looking nicer by the day! |
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27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:47 pm |
Thanks Vonstella. I always wondered about the Dr Brandt line. I was told it was overhyped and overpriced but this one sounds good.
Do update if it gives your skin any reactions in the coming weeks. I have tried mattifiers etc to no avail..they just clogged my pores.
I have a smashbox primer which is very good but feel it is too much for everyday. |
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35, combo skin, can be acne prone; use Decleor, PSF 02, SKII products and anything that works including ancient voodoo hee hee. London based. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:52 pm |
| Great review! I was wondering, since you're acne prone have you tried the LM's Oil Free TM? I keeps looking at the ingredients and I'm afraid to try for the same reason as you as I was afraid it might break me out. The regular one looks slightly better to me in terms of ingredients but I'm also afraid the dimethicone might build up in my pores and cause congestion. Have you found that? Thanks |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:01 pm |
Thanks for your reviews vonstella! The Dr. Brandt product sounds very tempting for summer when my oily SS poses a challenge. From your review it sounds like it's a sheerer, lighter-weight layer than most primers, which is a huge plus for me.
Ditto what everyone's saying about Alpha Hydrox. I'm using the Nourishing Cleanser and like it. And I've used and liked the Enhanced Creme in the past when I needed an AHA in my regimen. Both are effective, great values.
Hi Blacklace - I have the Smashbox Photofinish Primer and while I like it for evening use, it's too heavy to layer with SS during the day. I'll also be interested in any updates from vonstella about the Dr. Brandt item. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:14 pm |
Liz- Thank you! I hope so too!
Blacklace-- I dont think I will be trying anything else from the line, too pricy for me. The only reason I gave the P's NM a try is b/c I kept reading good things about it, I did a lot of research online and caved. Living in humid Dallas with oily skin--I needed help! 
sormuimui-- I looked into the oil free version but read that the colors are darker and tend to get orange-y as the day goes on. Ack, thats the LAST thing I need as I can *just* get away with the porcelain. Im hoping that by using a primer and a slightly strong AHA every night there will be less of a chance for build up. We shall see.
m.april-- Oh its sooooo nice! All the primers Ive tried were so uncomfortable to wear I had to wash them off within a few hours, you really should try it! If you want I can send you a sample from my tube so you can check it out. Just PM me.
Will update ladies! |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:41 pm |
Thanks, Vonstella, Great reviews.
I can't wait to try the Alpha Hydrox. I will see if I can track some down tomorrow. I keep hearing good things about the LM tinted moisturizer, I think I am going to have to break out the $$ and give it a try. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:29 pm |
| Cuddles wrote: |
Thanks, Vonstella, Great reviews.
I can't wait to try the Alpha Hydrox. I will see if I can track some down tomorrow. I keep hearing good things about the LM tinted moisturizer, I think I am going to have to break out the $$ and give it a try. |
If you live near a Nordstrom, they will gladly color match you and give you a sample, that way you can try it before shelling out the cash. |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:30 pm |
| Sundew wrote: |
I agree AlphaHydrox are such great products for the price. Their website (neotriccosmetics.com) always has great specials. I ordered the body wash and lotion from them on special and they also sent me a bunch of coupons. Right now they have B1G1 free on the 12% souffle, the peel, and the sheer silk moisturizer. |
Can you check the website you posted as it's not coming up.
TIA |
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The best way to locate your cat is to open a can of food. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:00 pm |
Thanks BluesHeart for the site.
Wouldn't it be nice if these very affordable products worked as stated? I'm going to Walgreens tomorrow and see if our store carrys this line, otherwise I may order from this site. I'm tired of overpriced products doing nothing more for me other than making my face soft. I WANT MORE THAT SOFT! |
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The best way to locate your cat is to open a can of food. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:09 pm |
Frodo,
I started using AH when it first came out in 92. I moved onto better *expensive* and saw something about the 'new generation' AH and thought I'd revisit. My Walgreens doesn't carry them but my grocery store does. As does Ulta. The AH site looks like they have some good sales and it looks like you get some freebies. My recommendation would be the new generation cleanser, souffle and peel. good luck.
kimberly
ETA: The ph is pretty good too. Cleanser is 5.5. |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:39 pm |
I forgot to mention that on the drugstore.com site there are more reviews for this product, just scroll down to the bottom, there are about 10 pages or so. Im a review junky.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=141163&catid=50338&trx=29983&tab=1#1 |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:59 pm |
I just read several of the pages of reviews, most of them were very positive. I had to copy part of one of them as I am sure there are some here, me included that can relate to it, so here it is.
"I am what you would call a skin cream junkie. My husband said there is more value in my medicine cabinet then my jewlery box. I might have to agree".
This just gives me a chuckle |
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The best way to locate your cat is to open a can of food. |
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Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:01 am |
I just wanted to do a bit of an update and share some thoughts I had.
First, I decided last night to start using the souffle on my neck and chest, Im too young to have any neck issues so that is more of a preventive measure. My chest how ever is a different story, Ive got some light sundamage, redness and small patchy breakouts from using MMU there (same issue with my face). Woke up this morning and breakouts/redness on my chest reduced by 50%!!! Sundamage will take longer I know but, Im thrilled! My face is looking better by the day, redness/breakouts there improving like crazy. Dry patches GONE. Ive also decided to use the souffle during the day when I dont have to leave the house, I think for me, being so oily, it wont work well under MU. Ive read in reviews that for drier skintypes it seems to works fine under MU topped with a good SS.
I have noticed a bit of purging, I know its purging and not clogging b/c I already had small hard bumps in those places that couldnt be extracted (thanks Lumiere!  ), they surfaced last night, I extracted them applied the souffle and hit the sack. This morning I was surprised to find that there was no imflimation and minimal redness, not usually the case for me, Im confident they will be history in a matter of days. It also stopped a underground lurker dead in its tracks, to be fair I have applied a bit of PSF acne mud to that spot a few times, I think that it helped too.
Im going say that my pores look A LOT tighter too. I know that pores size can never be totally changed but a good exfoliater can really help, I know that now. Needless to say Im VERY excited about this product. Im toying with the idea of using it on my arms too...(I have also been using Clarins Lotus oil morning and night, its suppose to help with oil production and tightening pores as well, I think that results for this take a bit longer to see kinda like Declor YY oil/balm, thats why I havent reviewed it yet but, I do believe its helping.)
I purchased the souffle and LM TM for one of my girlfriends so I'll update on her likes/dislikes as well, she has normal to dry skin.
I also wanted to say, I know lemmings can be a bit of an frenzy/problem here on EDS, I do tons of reading before I buy anything and only rave review things that really make a difference for me. I want anyone who reads my reviews to know that I will be honest when I get a reaction or if it stops working for me, none of us have anything to gain if we are not honest! 
Whew! After having said all that, if anyone is interested in try the souffle and cant find it in their area, the Walgreens by my house has it on sale for 6.99 + a $5 mail in rebate (normally its $15-20). I would be happy to CP it and mail it out for the cost + shipping, just PM me! |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:59 am |
| I just placed an order for the Alpha Hydrox and they will send samples of their new generation products to 3 of my "friends". Anyone interested PM me your name and email address only. Sorry, US only |
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The best way to locate your cat is to open a can of food. |
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Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:25 am |
| Frodo wrote: |
| I just placed an order for the Alpha Hydrox and they will send samples of their new generation products to 3 of my "friends". Anyone interested PM me your name and email address only. Sorry, US only |
I really hope you like it Frodo! |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:48 pm |
Ok, so I just got back from Walgreens, I managed to buy out their entire stock of the Souffle!  It was such a good price I couldnt pass it up, anyway, if anyone wants to try it out Im willing to make little sample pots and mail them out, just cover the shipping via Paypal. PM me if interested. |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Tue May 01, 2007 10:55 am |
Ok, since vonstella and I both live in the Big D and both have oily skin, I decided to follow in her footsteps. I went to Neimans and picked up the LM tinted moisturizer and Dr. Brandt's Pores No More.
I'll do the quick review first. I totally agree with Vonstella on the Pores No More. It is the best oil control product that I have ever used. Although, it may seem super expensive, it will last a long time because you just use a miniscule amount each time. I use it on my entire face and I use maybe 3 BBs of the product...it spreads super easy.
Now...onto my more involved LM TM review. I went to the LM counter and told them what I wanted. (the regular LM TM) She said that my color was Nude (I thought this was odd because I don't ever remember being anything other than the lightest, but i couldn't see where she tested it, so I purchased that shade)
I used it for the first time Saturday on a day trip to Houston. It went on like a dream...spread easily and felt like I had nothing on my skin. Unfortunately, by the time I got to houston (3 hrs later) my face looked dingy and was a complete oil slick!
I wasn't sure what I was going to do because I had read many reviews that the oil free version had a tendancy to go orange. I decided to go ahead and try it. Monday, I went back to Neiman's and exchanged it for the Porcelan Oil-Free version. There is quite a big difference in texture between the two versions. The oil free is thicker and doesn't go on nearly as easily. In fact, I felt like I was almost rubbing my face off  I decided to use my foundation brush and that worked like a charm.
I have used the oil free version all day on Sunday and Monday. I really like it. It is weight less and has retained its color. I have only had to blot my face once around noon. I do think that the oil free has a bit more coverage than the regular version, but that also may be because it is a bit harder to get a shear application.
So, don't be afraid to try the oil free version if the regular doesn't work out for you..you may just like it better.
I also picked up Dr. Hauschka's mascara. I was looking for something to wear when I wasn't wearing much makeup that basically just tinted my lashes. This fit that bill perfectly. It doesn't really lengthen or thicken (which is what I was looking for). My lashes are blond on the end and I was just looking for something that would tint the ends but not look too made up on days that I just had on a bit of powder and lip gloss.
Liz |
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JOIN ME IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER...http://www.the3day.org/dallas07/maryaguirre |
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Tue May 01, 2007 11:17 am |
| Yea! Im so glad you liked the Dr. Brandt PNM! Great stuff! Your totally right, living in muggy Dallas us oily gals need some sort of help! |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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Tue May 01, 2007 11:56 am |
Von and Liz -- have either of you guys tried the Clinique Pore Minimizer and, if so, does it compare to the Dr Brandt? I usually stay away from Clinique, but it gets fairly good reviews on MUA.
I'm trying out a sample of the Peter Thomas Roth mattifier under my LM MMU. It's okay.
TIA
Marla |
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Age 41; Oily; Acne prone; Resilient; Currently loving Tazorac, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate and Deep Tissue Repair; Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream |
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Tue May 01, 2007 12:19 pm |
| I tried a sample of the Clinique one....eh. It was really thick and caked into creases, it also contained a high amount of alcohol....not good if you want to decrease oiliness over time. |
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27~Texas~Oily~ fair~ breakout prone~ easily congested~Cysts caused by emotional stress~ Using Ayurvedic skin care and philosophy~ Dry brushing body and face~ On strict less is more routine~ We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars~ Oscar Wilde |
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