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Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:47 am  |
After hearing dermatologists and some high-end specialty stores raving about these products, I decided to try some of them finally. Anna-Lisa products are completely all natural and are the same formulas (according to their background info, and with some modern improvements, like sunscreen) that were passed down from mother to daughter for generations of use with the Russian nobility and aristocracy. My only complaint is their celebrity fan list, because even though I know some use it, I wouldn't be touting Paris Hilton's use of it (I don't know if she still does, though.) I mean, if I hadn't heard any other testimonials from people I highly respect, any product claiming use by Paris would make me run far, far away from it. So, that being said... 
Well, I've been searching around forever for a good facial sunscreen/moisturizer that is good for combo/slightly oily yet dehydrated skin. I liked the Cetaphil, but it was only spf 15, and the Obagi is really good (spf35), but I wanted to try this one since it's all natural, is spf 30+ and, again, I had been hearing good stuff about it first-hand.
I LOVE the sunscreen so far! I usually prefer the thinner lotions that go on the skin feeling cool to the touch, but this is an exception. It absorbs easily after massaging it into your skin a little and leaves your skin very moisturized without any greasiness or film. It has aloe, calendula, cammomile, etc. that makes it a good moisturizer in and of itself, and my blotting papers pick up remarkably less oil on my skin than usual about 3-4 hours later. (I use JI's Absence, followed by loose minerals.) Yet my skin feels velvety soft and moist without shine.
Anna-Lisa recommends applying a morning moisturizer over the sunscreen, and while I was initially feeling that this is very unnecessary and possibly too much, I decided to try it with a sample of the Morning Moisturizer for Normal/Oily/Sensitive skin. A minute or two after applying the sunscreen, the moisturizer absorbs in easily and leaves my skin parodoxically moist, but not at all greasy. The skin literally glows without shine. In fact, yesterday I didn't wear makeup and my skin didn't get horribly greasy like it usually does late in the day. So it's wonderful for oil control that isn't extreme. The combination is a lot richer than I'm used to, but my skin has never felt so soft, even after the Decleor Neroli oil (which I do ultimately want to try more at night, but I'm using compounded prescriptions for my nighttime skin routine.) I haven't broken out at all since using this (for about 3 days now, and while I don't readily get pimples too terribly often, some products make my skin break out if I'm not careful) and it's actually helped my complexion just in this short time.
The Cleansing Wash is also lovely, and smells like geranium. It has a wonderful texture, cleans really well without making the skin feel tight, and did I mention it smells awesome?! My only complaint is that it comes in a jar, but I use a little applicator paddle to take the desired amount out.
I'd highly recommend giving this line a shot! Most of the cremes would probably be too rich for warm weather, and for me at all (I know that the Balsam and Spermacetti creams are *very* rich/heavy. Not the type that clogs skin or breaks you out, but just, well, too much for normal/oily skin. In colder climates I'm sure these are fantastic.) But I'm definitely purchasing the sunscreen, moisturizer, and cleanser after I finish the samples. I may end up getting the toner, too.
Ingredients:
Facial Sunscreen:
Key Ingredients: Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone 3, Octyl Salicylate Octocrylene and Titanium Dioxide are the ingredients that make this sunscreen powerful and able to ward off the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. All are FDA approved. Stabilized Aloe Vera Gel is an emollient with moisturizing ability and is also softening, healing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Grapeseed Oil has moisturizing and nourishing properties. Comfrey Extract contains allantoin which is credited with healing, astringent and emollient properties. Calendula Extract is wound healing, soothing, antiseptic, anti-itching and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and moisturizer. Vitamin A is a skin conditioner that increases epidermal thickness and skin elasticity. It also helps prevent roughness resulting from UV exposure. Vitamin D3 has a strong immune enhancing effect. Allantoin is a botanical extract that is healing and soothing. Essential Oils of Lemongrass, Geranium, Clary Sage, Chamomile and Violet Leaf are astringent, antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-itching, purifying, refreshing and impart a beautiful, natural scent.
Morning Moisturizer (N/O/S):
Key Ingredients: Stabilized Aloe Vera Gel has softening, healing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for its moisturizing ability and as a relaxer for irritated skin. Lemon Extract is antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent and toning. It also contains Vitamins B and C. Sage Extract is considered to have astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, stimulating, softening and healing properties. Watercress Extract helps regulate moisture and reduce sebum production to help with oiliness. Chamomile Extract has anti-inflammatory and repairer properties, besides being bactericidal, anti-itching, soothing, antiseptic, and having the ability to neutralize skin irritants. Green Tea Extract is a powerful oxidant due to its catechin content. Grapefruit Oil has anti-irritant properties and adds a fresh, natural scent.
*edited, because mah spelling errors bothered me!* |
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Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:53 am |
| Actually, I wanted to add that later in the day, if my skin starts to feel shiny, all I have to do is blot once, and then I stay matte for the rest of the day, although not dry. |
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Mabsy
Moderator
 
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 9644
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Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:10 am |
| -rusalka- wrote: |
My only complaint is their celebrity fan list, because even though I know some use it, I wouldn't be touting Paris Hilton's use of it (I don't know if she still does, though.) I mean, if I hadn't heard any other testimonials from people I highly respect, any product claiming use by Paris would make me run far, far away from it. |
 I'd tend to agree with you!
Great review rusalka, the products sound very nice. It just bugs me though when companies don't give overseas shipping rates on their sites!  |
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