March 4, 2010
Posted by copley
When I hear “serum”, I think runny…slimy…sticky. I think of an oftentimes unpleasant base layer in my beauty regime which typically neither moisturizes nor provides SPF protection. And I think of suffering short-term discomfort for long-term benefits. Perhaps I’ve been hanging with the wrong serum crowd, because I was just introduced to a new product by Wilava that fits none of these descriptions. Wilava’s Vitamin C Serum is somehow airy, agreeable, and satisfying all at the same time. Instead of filling in as an added step, this serum stands on its own while thoroughly moisturizing, protecting, and improving the look and feel of skin. Read more...
January 12, 2010
Posted by copley
If you’re a regular beauty magazine reader or like to follow the mainstream skincare fads, then you’ve probably bought a bottle of St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub – and you may have enjoyed its fresh scent and not-too-harsh exfoliating effects. This drugstore denizen doesn’t set you back more than $4 and has charmed nearly every teen, beauty, bride, and health magazine editor under the sun. The problem is that all along the ingredients in St. Ives’ seemingly natural scrub have been a far cry from healthy. Under that facade of fresh fruit, St. Ives has been hiding a few dirty secrets. And up until recently, those secrets have been swept under the carpet. Read more...
December 28, 2009
Posted by marta
Whilst us boomers are enjoying great advances in skincare, I am shocked at how short-changed 20-somethings are. They get to choose between treated as though they are still an acne-prone teenager or are welcomed into adulthood by staid and stale regimes such as Clinique’s impoverished three-step thing (it’s been around since I was 20-something). There are 20-something brands, but all too often they use manic marketing to disguise mediocre products (think Philosophy).
20-somethings, thankfully, are an eco-conscious generation and so the first criteria for their skincare shopping should be do no evil, to themselves or the planet. Nor will they with John Masters Organics for hair and skin. While 20-somethings don’t need heavy duty anti-agers, they do need to get off to a good start with a skincare regime that keeps the skin healthy and glowing. Happily, there are lovely botanical brands such as Stem and Suki that will do just that. And, while not all of our Five Best brand picks are found in the bargain bins, we have made more than a nod to the fact 20-somethings are acutely feeling squeezed by the economy. It doesn’t get better value than Yes To Carrots and for bathroom cabinet basics Weleda just cleans up. Read more...
December 21, 2009
Posted by Sarah
Anyone living in a chilly climate can attest to the many ways in which winter weather can ravage the skin. For me, dry, dull skin is one of my major complexion complaints brought on by this snowy season. Luckily, I’ve found Amala’s Cocoa Bean Rejuvenating Face Polish, an exfoliating scrub that softens skin, and claims to restore elasticity and stimulate cell renewal.
Amala, which means “most pure” in Sanskrit, and “love her” in Spanish, creates cruelty-free, certified natural and organic personal care products, from which 5% of the profits are invested into fair-trade farms. For the aesthetically inclined, these products are also quite enticing with their stylish recycled cardboard and cork containers. Read more...
October 22, 2009
Posted by Reader
Posted by James
I’ve now had over four weeks with Bliss’ The Youth As we Know it Anti-Aging Concentrate. I liked it and it’s okay. But beyond that, it doesn’t know what to be, and that detracts from its better qualities.
The box has a sticker on it saying that it “doubles as a lighweight moisturizer.” It’s interesting to me that this is a sticker–was that a purposeful packaging decision, or was it an after-thought? One whole side of the box waxes about “Hydroplex3″ which apparently moisturizers immediately, and thereafter, for six hours.
The reality is that I found it to be a mediocre moisturizer, which is funny considering the fact that its second ingredient (after water) is a moisturizer (as are the third, fourth and fifth ingredients.) I gave up on using it as my sole-moisturizer after less than a week. Read more...
