Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream

Great petroleum-free barrier cream!

I'm very discriminating with my cosmetics because of my desire to be green and healthy, so it's been quite a challenge to find an effective cream for my eczema-prone hands that doesn't have petroleum, paraffin, or mineral oil. This is the only hand cream I've been able to locate so far that is thick enough to protect my hands from a flareup. Per my dermatologist's advice, I need to apply hand cream every time I wash my hands. It moisturizes intensively but isn't really greasy or slippery. It's better than Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Cream, which is more akin to Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula in that it's glycerin based and oil free. Chapped, parched skin really needs emollients like oils and waxes. Cetaphil uses shea butter, which seals in moisture without leaving a heavy feeling. I appreciate that this product is unscented; I'd really rather not eat (or even smell) perfume when I touch food. I just wish that it didn't have paraben (a hormone disruptor) (and that Cetaphil's other creams and lotions didn't contain it or petroleum products), but I'm willing to overlook that fact because this is such an excellent cream. I would buy this by the case!

April 25, 2012

Aromafloria For Feet's Sake Intense Repair Spa Foot Butter

A refreshing light foot cream

This aloe vera-based foot cream has soothing arnica, moisturizing shea butter and coconut oil, and disinfecting tea tree oil, along with mint and eucalyptus oils. I don't find the scent overpowering. In fact, the tingling feeling from the aforementioned essential oils is rather mild and doesn't linger too long, whether you desire that or not. This product has the consistency of a light cream, so it's not too thick or thin and not greasy; it absorbs quickly. Therefore, if you need really serious moisturizing, you'll have to look elsewhere for a foot balm or salve (along with some socks!). This one is not heavy, just mildly moisturizing. I have pretty severe eczema on my feet (my skin is sensitive), but I have had no problems using this product. I don't find it irritating in the least, only the opposite. It actually somewhat alleviates the flakiness after flareups because of its humectant qualities. I also appreciate that this cream is all natural and petroleum and paraben free. It's hard to find products that meet all those criteria! I would purchase again.

April 25, 2012

derma e® Makeup Remover

Awesome oil-free remover for any type of makeup (including waterproof)

I am very picky by nature, so all of my cosmetics have to meet my rigorous ingredient & philosophy litmus test, so to speak. This all-natural, cruelty-free makeup remover, often mistakenly labeled an eye makeup remover because it contains an herb called eyebright, is absolutely perfect! It dissolves all types of makeup & is oil free, so I can use it to remove my longwearing, water-resistant foundation & concealer as well my waterproof eye makeup without breaking out. The gel consistency also makes it very convenient to use: You can dispense a little onto a cotton swab to correct booboos in the makeup application process without having to resort to washing it off or removing oily residue first, as is often necessary with other makeup removers. From my research, there don't seem to be too many effective oil-free/noncomedogenic makeup removers that one can use all over the face, mostly only ones designated for just the eye area (where you're not likely to break out from ingredients like mineral oil). This product is gentle, contains soothing ingredients like cucumber, chamomile, and allantoin, and is free of parabens and fragrance. I also appreciate that it doesn't irritate my eyes (the way my eye makeup does!). It's a little hard to find admittedly. I get mine online through a natural herbal supplement/vitamin retailer. I'm hoping enough people will discover it that it won't ever be discontinued. It's taken me years to find an allover transfer-resistant-makeup remover that meets all of my specifications!

April 2, 2012

Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Facial Toner

Amazing toner for most skin types!

I got Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Facial Toner from Ulta after seeing great reviews for it on their site. I am quite pleased & will be repurchasing. Normally, I'm wary of any skincare catchall designated for every or most skin types (though in all fairness, the bottle doesn't specify what types of skin the toner's for). In this case, except for maybe sensitive and extremely dry or mature skin types, I'd say this toner can benefit those in the normal range, from dry to oily and acne prone. It's made from oxygenated water, aloe vera, and witch hazel and leaves my combination skin tingling and not tight at all. I've used it for over a week now, but I noticed an immediate and significant difference in my skin's texture. I've had pronounced blackheads on my nose and chin since my teens, and they are minimal now. My dry, flaky cheeks, recovering from the arid winter, are now smooth. Some consumers have suggested this toner may be too harsh for dry skin, but I found that the conditioners and light moisturizers (e.g., sorbitol, NaPCA, allantoin, panthenol) keep my skin soft. Of course, you should still follow with moisturizer though if you have dry to normal skin. I love how Neaclear doesn't test on animals and this formula is natural. My only qualm is that the otherwise attractive clear bottle leaks easily. It has a squirt dispenser which popped off when I tried to see why it was dripping a little one time. Also, some people have complained about the scent. The product is actually fragrance free, but the herbal ingredients lend it an aroma reminiscent of...lemon all-purpose cleaner or furniture polish maybe? It doesn't bother me though, since it's not that strong & doesn't linger. To me, the quality and effectiveness of this toner outweigh these minor quibbles.

March 18, 2012

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear / SPF 10

Fairly nice, but DON'T BE DECEIVED BY THE MINERAL MAKEUP CLAIM

I got a sample of this at a department store, and while I loved the look-- I found one that matched my fair golden skin exactly-- this has been giving me whiteheads that I never had before with Estee Lauder's Double Wear. I will admit the following: It does last as long as it claims, it does not feel heavy or mask-like, and I like the squeeze tube dispenser. However, upon comparing the ingredients in Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup and those in my Double Wear, it seems that the former actually has more synthetic and emulsifying ingredients, hence the breakouts. I'm going back Double Wear; even if it is not labeled as a mineral makeup, it seems more naturally derived. Your skin may not react the same way mine did, so I would urge you to ask for a sample once you've been matched with a shade.

October 22, 2009