Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15

Bobbi's popular moisturizing formula provides SPF 15 sun protection while it hydrates skin and delivers a soft, beautiful finish. The formula is buildable, allowing medium to full coverage as desired. For Normal to Dry skin types.

WARNING: This sensitive review probably contains way too much info. What can I say? I talk a lot.

I love Bobbi Brown's make up. I have been using this specific foundation for about a year. Bobbi's color range in foundations and concealers is the absolute best. They are yellow based which is perfect for my Asian skin with olive undertones. I have to say the coverage is pretty sheer and isn't the absolute best that I've tried, but it really is buildable in a natural way. The consistency of the actual product is thin - not watery but thin. It goes on really smooth and spreads pretty easily and doesn't need too much blending.

The Routine: First, I apply a thin layer all over my face with my clean fingers. Your fingers are the best and cheapest tools you will ever have. Plus, I think there is something about the warmth that comes from your hands that kind of warms up the foundation and make it blend in better. Then, I go over the areas that need more coverage, like around my nose and on my chin and forehead. Then, I go over my blemishes or scars with concealer (also with my fingers ) and a light dusting of sheer finish loose powder with a kabuki brush all over the face to set the look. This process takes more time than say a thicker foundation that will have more coverage off the bat, but in the end my makeup looks so much more natural - not cakey and I don't have a ton of makeup where I don't really need it like on my cheeks and nose.

Touching Up: I find that I do need a touch up in the middle of the day. I touch up with my little Face Touch Up Stick (see previous posted review) stick just on my scars and blemish spots. After, I will do another super light dusting of powder over the spots that have been touched up and on my T-zone. If I am going out at night I always wash my face and reapply for a super fresh face but if I really have no time a touch up will still look really natural with this stuff.

The Allergy Factor: For the most part I have not really had any allergic reactions to the make up part of her line. However, I am really allergic to her skin care line (see previous post.) Now, this specific product is a foundation with SPF in it. I noticed that I tend to have allergic reactions to products when SPF is automatically put into make up products, it just irritates my skin. I don't know exactly what it is but I have a theory.

In general, I am allergic to chemical sunscreens. I noticed this after years of having what I thought was a sunburn all over my body every single time I went out in the sun, until I put sunblock on and stayed in doors all day. I still had the same rash or reaction. Natural physical sunblocks with ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (minerals) physically block suns rays. Chemical sunscreen on the other hand actually absorb the rays and partially convert it into energy, which leaves free radicals on your skin or so I am told. So it is probably a chemical sunscreen is this foundation that slightly irritates my skin. It isn't the worst type of irritation - it causes some slight drying, but nothing that some extra rich soothing moisturizer can't fix. Don't get me wrong though, obviously I wound rather use a foundation that does not irritate my skin at all, but pickings are slim. Ha ha ha! But at the end of the day this foundation really does not irritate my skin enough for me to discontinue my use of this product.

The Smell: The scent in this product is super light almost nothing and that make me really happy!

Bottom line: Light scent gets a 4 out of 5 (1 worst - 5 best) The Coverage gets a 4 out of 5. I have been using this stuff for about a year but I think I am going back to using Bobbi Brown's Luminous Moisturizing Foundation because the SPF irritates my skin just a bit in this product. Other than that, I have no complaints. This makeup line really is good natural looking stuff.

My Thyroid. My Weight. My Issues.

MMM. . . cake.
For the past eleven years I have been in a losing battle with my weight and I don't stand a chance. No matter how much I work out (sometimes 3 hours a day) and how much I try to count those f'ing calories, I am still losing weight at a very discouragingly slooooooow pace. My skin is Lubriderm alligator dry. I always feel so so tired. Not in a lazy way, but fatigued. I just don't have the energy to do anything. I feel like I am constantly trying to drink coffee or tea to wake me up or keep me energized throughout the day. I get these really horrible headaches. Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate because I'm so gosh darn tired. All because I have a low functioning thyroid or Hypothyroid. I was diagnosed about 9 years ago. In the past two years, this may have effected my baby making abilities as well.

Most people who suffer from hypothyroidism have never even heard of the deficiency and do not seek treatment or look for answers until the symptoms are really bad.

Symptoms to look out for:

Severe fatigue, loss of energy, persistent sleepiness

Weight gain, difficulty losing weight

Depressed mood

Joint and muscle pain

Dry skin, brittle nails and hair, thinning hair

Irregular periods

I wanted to share this info. about my health issues for a couple of reasons. First, if you are reading this blog, chances are you have sensitive, dry skin which is a symptom of hypothyroidism. Another reason is just simply to put the word out. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms - Get your thyroid levels checked !!!! Some doctors don't think to check if you are not expressing any concerns or if you don't ask to be tested for this specifically.

I suffered from severe migraine headaches everyday. These headaches would last days, weeks, even months. I was prescribed all sorts of drugs ending up with prescriptions that were addictive and pretty dangerous to be taking on a daily basis. In college my weight ballooned from 100 lbs to 130 to 150 and more in the span of about 2 years! I really didn't know what was going on. My eating habits were the same as they've ever been. I even started working out when I never have before. I worked out for 2 hours a day walking/jogging for 1 hour and then lifting weights, and doing yoga for another hour. I just keep gaining weight. No matter what I did I gained and gained. My skin also became dryer than usual, my eczema worse. My hair was also changing.

On top of all of this, I was tired as hell. It was funny, my junior year in high school, before Starbucks and frappes were even popular, I had to have my morning coffee. I could not get by without the coffee or the caffeinated soda everyday, every couple of hours. In college my joint and back aches started. I thought ," Wow! Am I getting old or what?" Ha Ha. Nope, just a dang thyroid problem that I was unaware of for years!

What happened was I had to change health insurance due to my mom getting a new job. I got better doctors who listened to me and found the problem. Now, I take medication everyday. I am not completely cured or even close to it. There are times where I feel my symptoms getting worse which usually means that my levels are lower than usual and I need to up my medication dosage. Everything I went through still happens just not as severe. I still have really horrible headaches every so often. I am still really low on energy and fell really fatigued quite often. I still drink a ton of coffee (when I am not in baby mode.)

I still battle with my weight. I have been able to maintain at a certain weight, but to lose that weight is so hard! An hour and a half of cardio 4 to 5 times per week, cutting back on my portions, counting calories, pilates 3 times a week and nothing!!!!! I maybe lose 1 pound every two weeks? It is very discouraging - seriously! I know I could have more control on the eating end but I burn 400 to 700 calories doing cardio. You think that would do something! I could go on but um . . . we should move on.

I have posted a couple of resources below for more information on the subject of hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism. Obviously you can always google it .

Understanding Thyroid Problems - the Basics

Information on Thyroid Health

The reddish thing is just an overlay of where the thyroid should be and look like approximately. I think I made it too big though. LOL!

Again, I really just wanted to share this in hopes that it might reach someone battling the same things. I have had my share of issues with my skin, health, as well as in the baby making dept. - no baby after almost three years of trying :( You can only talk to family and friends so much and to my surprise these on-line communities, message boards and blogs are what have helped me through some really trying times. It is always good and comforting to hear from someone that is going through the same kind of things you are. So I will continue to post if anything comes up in any of those areas :) Technology is incredible in the anonymous, "I don't know you but I Internet know you" way and that is what's great about this day in age. HA HA I am old.

So . . .that is it. Thanks for reading!

Avene Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream

Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream has a gentle, creamy texture that provides ultimate skin comfort and immediate soothing benefits. With its original balance restored, the skin regains a softer, smoother, more supple feel and a radiant appearance.

The Avene Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center in France, has treated sensitive skin and other skin disorders for over two centuries. Based on the soothing properties of Avene thermals spring water, proven effective by numerous scientific studies, Avene Dermatological Laboratories created a complete range of dermo - cosmetic products to care for sensitive skin.

Tested on sensitive skin by dermatologists. Hypoallergenic and non - comedogenic.

Ingredients:Water (aqua), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Glycerin, PPG 15 Stearyl Ether, Cyclomethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctoria (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Cetearyl Glucoside, Benzoic Acid, Beta Sitosterol, BHT, C13 14 Isoparaffin, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (parfum), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Laureth 7, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 188, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum

I got this moisturizer in a little under three weeks ago. I really wanted to see if I could find something that works just as good if not better than my usual Anne Marie Borlind ZZ Sensitive Day Cream. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with this one.

I was really excited about all the positive sensitive skin reviews on this product that was supposed to be really healing, so I ordered it. I patiently waited and needed some much anticipated moisture (I was in the middle of a major allergy/skin attack - as previously posted.) I first tried this cream on the inside of my arm/elbow - no allergic reaction. The first week was fine. I didn't notice anything besides a bit of itchiness. I sort of thought this was a left over reaction to the original food allergy. It wasn't. The itchiness upon application just seem to get just a bit worse as time went on. It never amounted to a full blown rash/hive but it still slightly itchy through out the day.

This cream is made for dry to very dry sensitive skin. Although this cream didn't dry my skin out, it really didn't do much to moisturize it. I didn't necessarily feel like I had to reapply too often but by the later part of the day my skin was a little on the dry side. So I probably have to apply this cream about 2 to 3 times a day. The good thing about this cream is it's pretty light and really sinks into my skin very easily. Even after reapplying it, it never made my skin greasy or oily. I also noticed that I haven't had any acne breakouts from this product which is awesome.

The Smell: This moisturizer actually has a very strong scent to it that really bothers me. I truly believe that it is the fragrance in this product that is causing my allergy itchies which is really a shame.

I had really high hopes for this Avene product. People swear by this line and it healing properties. Their skin may not be as sensitive as mine. Although this particular product didn't work for me, I really love their Avene Thermal Spring Water spray (see review posted.) I may still give some of their other products a try just because I love the spray so much.

Bottom Line: I had a slight allergic reaction to this product which I believe is do to the strong fragrance factor. Also, I personally do not think that it was all that "moisturizing," especially since it is geared towards very dry sensitive skin. I will be discontinuing my use of this product today due to itchies and whoa! that's a ton of perfume.

Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation

Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation is a highly pigmented foundation especially formulated for drier or more mature skin & hydrates the skin with added moisture.

• Allows for truly buildable coverage, from a very sheer, weightless, "no makeup" look to more complete coverage
• Hydrates skin, softening & easing fine, dry lines
• Stays colour true and wears evenly
• Vitamins A, C & E act as antioxidants to protect the skin from harmful effects in the environment

• 
  

I have tried many foundations that claim to be hypoallergenic and have really been disappointed over and over again by the outcome - acne breakouts, itchy, flaky, red, irritated skin. As a result of all these disappointments, I am really weary about what I put in my skin. I really look into all the reviews and skin test it on my arm before I even put the product in my face.

I have heard really great things about this foundation so I decided to give it a try myself. Laura Mercier's Moisturizing foundation has really, really surprised me in a good way! I have been wearing this foundation for about three weeks now. I have not had any irritation from this product, even during my last allergy episode where my skin was flaky and cracked. No itchies and no breakouts to report. I have not noticed any drying either. In fact this foundation is really great at not settling into my dry patches and lines!

The Smell: This product has a very light pretty smell to it. It doesn't bother me at all. It's so light that I forget it has a scent :)

So this product really does everything it says its going to do. The formula is kind of watery for a foundation. I guess this is why it wears so light and natural. I really don't feel like I have a make-up mask on. Like I said, it really does hide my lines and dryness. If I do have shine it actually keeps it at bay all day. The coverage is really buildable and masks any scars and redness in my skin but still looks really natural. I have to say, the color stays true even through the current LA summer heat. Which brings us to the reason that I probably will not buy this product again.

The foundation colors in this line are really and truly limited and very disappointing! Even the woman behind the counter admits that Laura's colors are "not great" and "limiting." At first I thought maybe the consultant matched my skin wrong, so I went back to exchange it for a different color twice. Turns out the first color was the best they could do for my skin tone (I have a light to medium skin tome with olive and yellow undertones.) The color that I brought home was a shade too light with a pink undertone. It does not match my skin at all. I can wear it but I put this on really lightly and have to wear a lot more bronzer to get it to match the rest of my skin. So so sad! I just cannot bring myself to keep wearing it when I have to work so hard to make it work.

Bottom Line: I have not had any allergic reactions to this product. I love the formula and its buildable coverage. It applies easily and wears really smooth and natural but the colors suck a**!
Overall, I do highly recommend this foundation. Maybe you'll one of lucky ones and find a color in Laura Mercier's line that actually works for you. Unfortunately I didn't. This is definitely going to be a Return due to poor color selection.
Boo :(

Dior's DiorShow Mascara Sensitive Review

Inspired by the runway and behind-the-scenes tricks, DiorShow Mascara gives lashes a triple-shot of glamour, leaving them luxuriously thick, lengthened and curled to the max. Its easy-to-use XXL brush is generously curved for maximum coverage, while its logo-stamped silver packaging makes it a fashion must-have for every handbag!

I'm not sure that the logo makes this a fashion must have. That is just f*ing ridiculous. I mean really? Really? Unless you're such a label whore that this really does appeal to you. Then I have no words . . . Ha ha!

Anyway, I love this mascara! I have full lashes but they are not very long or very thick so I really need that extra umph. This mascara really does the trick with its extra thick and very black formula. The brush itself is really big and full which is great for grabbing those lashes. I have never experience any clumping with this product, even after three coats. The mistake I made with one tube was to keep it in my car (I would do my makeup in my car before work.) Do not do this! At first, it didn't seem to affect it too much. The color, smell and texture when applying were the same, but as the day wore on it became flaky and broke off leaving little black mascara flakes on my cheeks. I have to mention this because I have read reviews that DiorShow will do this very thing. It was probably because you left it in a purse or car on a hot day. Don't blame the mascara! Speaking of a hot day . . . I sweat and I tend to tear up a lot (allergies, being emotional, laughing hysterically)and still, even the non-waterproof formula stays put with no smudges.

Now for the Allergy Factor:

The Smell: It has one, it does but its a pretty "I just spent twenty something dollars on mascara so I have to love it" smell. Ha ha. I normally don't like anything with scent or fragrance in it but this just works too well for me to pass up just because it smells good, you know?

I cannot sleep in this mascara. I have been drunk and had to sleep in my make-up. I always regret doing it in the morning. I know that I can put this on and wear it all day and well into the night and not think about whether it will give me puffy, itchy eyes. Wohoo! But the minute I sleep in it I wake up rubbing my puffy, itchy eyes. I also never put this on when an allergy attack is in full force. I try not to put anything on when I'm in the middle of an episode. I also have to mention that I have a slightly more severe allergic reaction to the waterproof formula for some odd reason.

Bottom Line: I say if you are really sensitive like I am, still give it a try just because it is just a great product. I really do stand by this mascara despite its scent and my overnight allergy to it. It does everything: great brush, great formula, really black color, lengthens and thickens without weighing my lashes down. It's only downfall is that compared to the drugstore $10 mascaras (that can probably do a great job as well) it is really pricey at $20 something a pop. I think it's worth it though *shrugging shoulders*

Remember: what works/doesn't work for me can have an opposite effect on you. Everyone's sensitivities are different:)

I am obsessed with MAC Eyeshadows! Sensitive Review

My makeup obsession started in Junior High School when my mom bought me my first Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It was the perfect natural berry stain and it was mine . . . all mine. Since then, I've gone though the really ridiculous dark lipstick phase and the "I wear so much makeup, you could peel it off me and wear it as a mask" look.

The whole time my skin has been on this roller coaster of allergic reactions. My face would itch, swell, peel, and flake so much so that I would have to moisturize all day long. I knew I was sensitive but let's face it, at that age I just didn't care!

Now I have no choice but to be very selective about what I put on my skin. With eczema, adult acne, scarring, allergies and some major dryness, I am really self conscious about my skin. So I am going to start to post a review on anything and everything that I use on my skin. Hopefully there is someone out there who's skin and self confidence will benefit from a little sensitive skin wisdom.

I have tried every brand available to me and with some brands some colors irritate me and some don't. Just to name a few: Shiseido, Clinique, Urban Decay, Stila, Perscriptives, Dior, and Cargo are ones that I have had allergic reactions to some but not all of their products. Lamcome and Estee Lauder have major irritants in their products so I have learned to just not go there!

First on my list of great products for sensitive skin . . . MAC Eye Shadows!

I really cannot say enough about their eye shadows. For the most part, I have had great sensitive skin results with them (strictly and specifically the eye shadows.) I wear a number of these shades, matte as well as shimmer shades, everyday without any irritation. I am so thankful that my skin just happens to be compatible with this brand's eye shadows . With their vast range of colors and finishes, I really don't miss out on all the make up fun! I have recently started buying the palettes. I am so excited and so obsessed with my collection nowadays. It's sick - seriously! I am just happy that I can wear these great colors and not be afraid of having itchy, watery, puffy eyes!

Some of my faves are:

Brule

This shade is the first one I put on over my base all over my eyes just to even out whatever color (redness or darkness) there might be.

Retrospeck
This is the perfect shimmery highlight shade to brighten up the inner corners of my eyes and highlight just beneath my brows.

All That Glitters
This warm shimmery nude shade is a great neutral that I use on my lids. A quick wash of this just kind of warms up the color of my lids. On a really easy make-up day, this and some simple black eye liner and I'm done!

Beautiful Iris
I am obsessed with this shade for the summer. I wear this on my lids as a light wash of color to keep it simple during the day. For a night time look, I like to wear this on my lid, Knight Divine or Print in my crease, and some smokey black eyeliner with Carbon, and loads and loads of black mascara. LOVE this color!

Shale
Shale looks like it would be an obvious purple but it's not. I use this on my lid and it just has a slight purple hue to it. It is almost neutral. I like to wear this with my brown/neutral shades just to mix things up a tiny bit.
Tilt
This is my new favorite! My sister gave this to me because she already had this in her collection. She loved the color so much she accidentally bought two. I am so glad. Before I got this, I was to scared to wear color. This color is what really got me going on wearing brights and colors instead of my everyday neutral eye. It is a totally wearable blue shade that has a silver hue to it. I love this on the lid with Knight Divine in the crease and Contrast(navy) as a liner. Just a simple smokey blue/gray eye.
Soba
Soba is my go to for a really neutral eye. I wear this right in the crease for a little definition.
Soft Brown
This is a new fave in my collection. I use this in my crease when I am going for a peachy clean look. When I'm doing my red lipped pin up look, I use Shroom on my lid and this perfect simple shade to define my crease with. Just throw on some dramatic black liner and that's it! This shade is also great for blending your darker crease colors to your highlight for a seamless effect.

Tempting
Tempting has been my faves for years, probably since High School (that is long time.) It is a golden brown, highly shimmery shade. I use this in my crease. It is also really great for smoking out your brown or black liner for a smokey day time look. It has shimmer and a hint of gold that catches the light and really softens those lines for a simply put together look.

Print
This medium grey shade works with my neutrals, browns, blues, purples . . . oh just about anything! This is a must have. It is so versatile - light handed, it's great for lids, in the crease, it's the perfect grey eye, and as a liner - so smokey. I Love Love Love!
Knight Divine
Knight Divine is a blue toned shimmery dark grey. This is the shade I go to when Print just doesn't have enough umph and shimmer. This is the perfect shade for a very sexy smokey eye!
Mystery
The go to dark brown for everyone. Perfect for extra definition in the crease and as a liner. I have brown/black hair so I use this with a little bit of cork to define my brows.

Carbon
The blackest black shadow. I use this over my cream or liquid liner to smoke it out or for extra staying power. Cannot live without this!

Note: So far, their eyeshadow are the only thing I buy without worry from this line. I do have to tell you, I try and stay away from their bases, i.e. MAC Creme Colour Base, Paints, and Paint Pots because I have had allergic reactions to them. I do wear some of their lipsticks but have mixed reactions to specific colors and formulas but that's another story.

Bottom Line: I am obsessed with MAC eye shadows because they have a great range of beautiful, versatile colors that I am NOT allergic to.

NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit

Don't let allergies and chronic sinus issues ruin your day. Use the Sinus Rinse kit, a physician developed, complete saline nasal rinse kit. The Sinus Rinse kit helps to alleviate allergies, chronic sinus disease, and other nasal irritation from things like occupational dust, smog, and smoke. Super easy to use and travel with, too. Pre-measured packets take the guesswork out of preparing the solution and keep things clean. Plus, the smooth flow bottle empties 100% in the upright position. The kit includes the rinse bottle with cap and tube, 50 packets of saline powder, and a helpful educational pamphlet. Preservative and latex free, pH balanced, and no burning or stinging.

This description of the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit really does not tell you exactly how you're going to rinse your sinus, does it? Ha Ha!

Well, let me first start off by saying, this stuff really works! My allergies are a hundred times better. I have really severe allergies to everything nature and chemical allergies as well. I have long suffered from runny noses, bloody noses, sore throats from post nasal dripping, and just about everything you could think of! At one point I took a Sudafed everyday for my sinus headaches. This product has been a god send! The Rinse helps to flush out all the dust, pollen and everything else that causes those allergies. My headaches hardly ever make an appearance and I sleep so much better since I've been using this. Now that I have said my piece . . .

The process is as follows:

1. You fill your water bottle to fill line with warm water. Remember: not hot, warm!
   
2. Take your little pack of solution and pour it into the bottle.
3. Shake it around gently to mix.
4. Blow your nose gently to get all that extra gunk out - eww!
   
5. Now, your going to take the bottle, put the tip of the bottle up to your nostril and . . .
   
6. Squeeze the water into your nose . . . yes into your nostril up your nose!
   

What is going to happen?

The water will go up your nose and out through either your other nostril or if you are really stuffed up, your mouth, clearing out your sinuses. Make sure you breathe through your mouth while the the water is flushing through.

Yikes! This all sounds like an awkward and disgusting process. Believe me, I know! The first time I did this I thought, "Ugh! Are my mocos/boogies/snot really coming out my mouth!" Yeah! they are and it's gonna be pretty gross and its gonna be pretty salty. But after, you will feel sooooo much better!

If you do it right, you should not feel like you got water up your nose like in a pool. Some people say they feel a slight sting. This is not the case with me. I usually do a whole bottle to each side when I am really stuffed up. I use this rinse daily , once during the morning and once before bed. Beware: You might experience some nose water/snot leakage minutes after you are done with the rinse. I think this happens because not everything gets flushed out right away and what ever is left over really loosens up after a couple of minutes. Drip. Drip. So, until you know how you will react to it, keep a tissue handy.

Bottom Line: I cannot live without this product. Without it I would be a sneezing, nose rubbing mess! Although the process may be a bit weird to get used to, it really helps with clearing your sinus. It is natural and doesn't require a prescription. I say everything is worth a try for the luxury of actually being able to breath! Ahh, Sniff! Sniff!