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I was suitably impressed by this mascara.

Normally I avoid non-waterproof mascaras, so this particular mascara would be under my radar. But since I received it as a sample, I thought I would try it anyway.

I really loved how it lengthened and defined each lash, yet retained a natural look to it. There was minimal clumping of the mascara formulation. The thick wand was easy to handle, and did not pick up too much mascara as it came out of the tube. However, if I applied a few more coats, it did not significantly enhance the length or fullness of my lashes, so I would use it in my day makeup, but not for night or glamorous looks.

For a non-waterproof mascara, it stayed on pretty well. I love taking photos as well, and because I use an SLR, I need to look through the viewfinder my eyes makeup tend to smudge up. This mascara did not smudge up as much as I expected, and I actually still looked respectable at the end of the day!

Verdict? I would continue using it because it has a nice formula, and gives great natural looking lashes. However I just use it in the day and not for any night or glamorous makeup.

I came back home with the B Kamins Eyelash Fortifier on 11 May 2009, last Monday and started using it immediately, in hopes of getting longer thicker lashes.

It’s got a pretty neat packaging. Unlike other eyelash stimulators which usually come in a liquid form and needs to be applied with a fine brush tip like a liquid eyeliner, the Eyelash Fortifier is a gel based product contained in a tube with a rubber tip. There’s an opening in the rubber just a few millimeters away from the point, where the gel comes out through controlled by clicking of the barrel at the other end of the tube.

The stuff comes out in a small drop with each click, so you don’t have to worry about excess product oozing out. The gel is then smeared over the lash line with rubber tip. It is easy to spread over the lash line. The gel is a little sticky to the feel. But its not so uncomfortable, and I got used to it pretty quickly and forgot it was on my eye. After a few uses, I realized the click-turn barrel didn’t do much to control the amount of gel coming out. I realized that if I tipped the tube pointing down, the gel would just flow out- slowly. So keep in mind to store this tube upside down after use to prevent a whole lot of gel from oozing out into the tube the rest of the day. However, towards the end, standing the tube up will help to get those last drops of the product out.

The ophthalmologist tested formulation is a gel made up of peptide growth substances, natural plant extracts and multi-vitamins. It purports to be ‘an advanced eyelash conditioner that contains a powerful revitalizing complex which gets right to the root of the problem of lash loss by follicle aging. [The product] boosts micro-circulation at the hair follicles, as well as condition and protect delicate lashes. As a result, lashes are strengthened to resist environmental damage which can cause loss and breakage, and are fortified to appear fuller, longer and more youthful-looking, even without makeup.’ The product also claims to be suitable for thinning brows, but I am not trying the product for that purpose just yet.

I used the product for 4weeks, and at the end of the 4weeks I did notice a difference. Even my skeptical husband had to agree that it worked. My lashes were definitely fuller, and longer than 4 weeks ago when I started using the product.

Conclusion

I am pleased with the results of the product, which delivered its promise to give me fuller longer lashes at the end of 4weeks. I would continue using the eyelash fortifier, and recommend it to friends and family.

Ingredients listed on the box: water, panex ginseng root extract, arginine, acetyl tyrosine, arctium majus root extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, polyquatermium-11, PEG-12 dimethicone, calcium panthotenate, zinc gluconate, niacinamide, omithine HCL, citrulline, glucosamine HCL, biotin, glycerine, glycoproteins, butylene glycol, PPG-26-buteth-26, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, apigenin, olealonic acid, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acer saccharum (maple isolate), phospholipids, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, panthenol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, glucamine, disodium EDTA. Made in Canada.

After seeing and hearing about Neutrogena’s newest Skin Rejuvenator and the Clarisonic, I went to the drugstore intending to buy it to test it out. On my way down the aisle, I passed by RoC and happened to see that it too had a similar RoC Microdermabrasion System. I was intrigued. I had not read any recent reviews on the product, so I asked the sales assistant about it.

She recommended this RoC system over the Neutrogena one. Basically, she said, “the RoC sponge is softer, which is better for the skin. And its the cream that you put on the sponge head that’s doing the work, not the sponge head itself.” That sold me. If the cream which contains microcrystals work, why should I get the other brand when it only functions to rub my skin rubbed off!

Using it was simple. Dab the sponge of the  hand held machine into the pot of cream, and smear that cream onto your face over the forehead, cheeks and nose. Then switch on the battery operated handle, and it vibrates at either one of 2 speeds that you choose. 

After 2 months, I have noticed an improvement in my skin texture. In fact, even after the first attempt I already noticed my skin was more radiant and smoother! It was also a great tool in winter to exfoliate off the increased dead skin cells and skin flaking caused by the winter dryness. I used to use it 3times a week, but now that spring is here and the weather not as dry, I have  gradually cut it down to 2times a week, once a week and now fortnightly as my skin doesn’t require such frequent sessions now.

The product itself was easy to apply. It became gritty as it dried on my face after use, but was still easy to wash off. The sponge head is also removable from the handle for easy washing after each use. 

You have to buy the components separately- the cream and sponge comes together (for maximal hygiene as you change the sponge regularly) and the handle in another packaging (which you do not have to change). I find the quality of the sponge rather good, it remains soft and smooth, and retains its original shape even after more than a month of use. There is also quite a lot of product in the pot, and it can last you much longer than the estimated 28days written on the box.

I would continue using it, and definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of getting a home microdermabrasion system.

I was delighted to find TRESemme Hair products on offer at my drug mart, and quickly bought a couple of its products to try. It didn’t disappoint, the was really a steal at just $3.99 for a 900ml bottle ! 

TRESemme hair products initially started as salon products, but later they wanted everyone to have the opportunity to experience and afford salon quality products, and so came up with this range, which is probably the best thing they’ve done for marketing!

I bought a bottle of its Pro Vitamin B5 and Aloe Remoisturize Conditioner. This hair conditioner was really moisturizing, which was great for my dry, dye ravaged hair! It was also lightweight and did not weigh down my hair, which is really important to me. Good enough for daily use! My hair was smooth and after it dried, it didn’t have as many flyaway or frizzy stands, superb!

The results were so much better than other hair products I’ve tried, some of them which were way more expensive. I love this product and have converted into a TRESemme fan! Now I want to try out everything they’ve put on the local drug store shelf!

Eyeliner is one of my least favourite (but unfortunately essential) steps during makeup. I’ve tried so many different eyeliners in hope that I would find a product that will help ease the pain of putting on eyeliner. Pencil, cream, gel, liquid- i’ve tried them all! But I can end my search now- this baby from Sephora is great!

I love that it’s easy to handle, and draws easily. It smudges easily (the other end has a convenient sponge tip to aid in smudging), but it doesn’t run and stays in place for hours! At the end of the day, it still washes off easily with makeup remover, isn’t that great?

The only thing I didn’t like was the sponge tip- it felt rough and pulled on my eyelid, but otherwise I find it a great product. Did I mention that it comes at a great price too? The Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner at $12 from Sephora.

With the weatherman saying that the temperature in the coming days is going back down into the negatives and hitting a low of negative 23°C, it looks like winter will not be going away anytime soon. 

I have been using Clinique’s Moisture Surege Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer (US$46.50 per 75ml bottle) for the longest time now, and I really love it. It’s nourishing, and hydrating without having any sticky after it dries! It’s great for my face, and can be used as a moisture surge mask once in a while! Sometimes when my body’s feeling particularly dry, I apply it on as well (yeps what a luxury!) and it does a great job there as well! Moreover, it does well in a humid climate as well like in Singapore where I was staying without feeling heavy and sticky like many other face moisturizers.

The cons about this moisturizer that I have is that it seems to disappear quickly- both from the bottle and my face. I suspect that it its a heavily water based moisturizer evaporates in this dry winter air. And in extreme dryness (our winters in Calgary are cold and dry), it doesn’t last long enough. If I apply it in the morning, my skin already feels dry by 3 hours later.

I will continue using it, and its still my favourite facial moisturizer till date. But if this winter dryness continues, I may contemplate switching to a heavier one.

If you have not heard about the Remington Emi Airwave Dryer yet, where have you been? Its the hottest piece of hair styling equipment any girl can get their hands on now! 

I was ecstatic to receive mine, and tried it out straight away! Initially I was overwhelmed at the size of the contraption, but it was really easy to set up and incredibly addictive, fuss free and fun!

It has anti-static technology, but I felt it still created too much frizz while drying my hair as the hot air blew the little ends out and up. It also has ionic ceramic to give hair a smooth shine.

Otherwise, I would suggest some tips on using the dryer:

• Comb hair to detangle through before drying- any tangles will remain and make combing through tough after you’re done, not to mention that the waves created will be compromised
• You can blow dry your hair slightly to remove excess moisture without the attachment, then add on the attachment to work on the damp hair. I find that the dryer takes a long time on wet hair. 
• Use some leave in conditioner/lotion to help reduce frizzing and flyaways like Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion($18) .
• If you desire a lot of body and volume, apply some volumizing mousse to hair before airwave drying/styling.
• Divide hair into half: above and below the ears. I like to make tighter curls below and bigger curls on top for better effect.
• Blow dry in smaller sections for tighter curls, and larger sections for looser curls
• Remember to blow the ends as well, or it will end up straight or stick out.
• After each section is done, you can roll it up into a curl and pin it. Set with hair spray and keep the hair pinned up for an additional 15-20 minutes till it cools down.
• Leave the curls to dry and cool for few minutes before shaking them out
• Keep some smaller spiral segments intact to get that messy but coifed look a la Blake Lively in Gossip Girl
• Top off with some hair spray to keep those waves!

It retails at a budget friendly US$29.99. Want to get your hands on one? Buy it online here.

Sensational Serums

Perhaps one of the biggest developments this season is Lancôme’s new Génifique ($78)(1), hitting shelves March 1st. Using genomics, the mega beauty brand found that certain genes produce “youth proteins” in younger skin. This compound targets the actual genes to boost the production of youth proteins in older skin, giving it a much smoother and brighter appearance, according to early focus group studies. Skin2 Skin Care Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum ($94)(2) is an overachiever that contains the active ingredient Matrixyl, which significantly decreases the appearance of surface wrinkles on the cheek, under the eye and in the neck area. The name says “silver,” but Cor the Silver Wrinkle Serum ($120)(3) aims for the gold standard in heading off aging. It’s lightweight but a really heavy hitter in the wrinkle department. 

Cream of the Crop

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Stress Recovery Night Cream ($49.50)(1) is a lightweight yet intensive moisturizer with a special youth preserving complex. Formulated for women 25-39, the Intervene line addresses the first signs of aging while keeping your skin glowing and gorgeous. Available in Dry or Normal/Combination formulas,Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15 ($58)(2) claims to take more than 10 years off the look of your skin in just four weeks. All that and sun protection, too! Alba Sea Lipids Daily Cream($14.95)(3) boasts aloe vera and a mineral rich marine complex to improve tone, texture and firmness. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting your neck and décolleté in your anti-aging regime! Somme Institute Neckline($48)(4) quickly goes to work on sun damage, wrinkles and those pesky neck creases we all loathe. Go off to bed with Lancôme High Resolution Night Refill-3X ($90)(5); it boosts the synthesis of the three natural skin fillers—collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. Who said beauty sleep was a myth?

Right in the Kisser

Banish vertical lip lines and other lip-related nightmares with daily use of Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Lip($30)(1). Rest assured that a high concentration of peptides is at work to make you look young and fabulous. Everyone loves a multitasking anti-ager—Shu uemura Phyto-Lift Black Anti-Wrinkle Eye and Lip Contour Cream($85)(3) works on both eyes and lips revive and contour spots that need a little lift. PerriconeMD High Potency Eye Lift ($95)(2) sends major repair crews to the delicate skin around the eyes. His special delivery system ensures maximum absorption of the product and maximum wow factor in the results. Zelens Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream ($160)(4) works on the evil trifecta of fine lines, puffiness and free radical damage—because with product like these, why should you have to live with them anymore? See ya, wrinkles.

Gimme Some Skin

If you’re looking for doctor skin care that’s pure and green, check out Doctor D. Schwab. These natural skin care products were developed using information drawn from the verbal and written sources of ayurvedic medicine, Chinese, ancient Egyptian and American Indian herbal medicine. A stand out product from the Lighten, Brighten & Whiten collection, is the Doctor D. Schwab Bamboo Cream Peel (1) ($25). Plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Copeland draws on her knowledge of biochemistry to create products like her new Rewind Advanced Wrinkle Defense (2) ($86), which plumps up your skin without any scary injections. Samples of her products will be available this spring at Girls Night Out. 

Clinique is getting back in touch with its dermatologist roots and offering Clinique Medical (3) in doctor’s offices. This line is specifically formulated to treat skin after procedures like laser treatments or chemical peels. If you’ve spent too much time out in the sun, the results can be a lot more immediate than you’d like: hyperpigmentation—spots and discoloration—can pop up overnight and refuse to go away. Quash it with Dermalogica’s six-pieceChromaWhite TRx Brightening Regimen (4) ($188), packed with powerful cleansers, serums, and moisturizers.

Doctor Rock Stars

One of the most popular lines of doctor skin care would have to be that of Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a board certified clinical and research dermatologist, (and a hands down brainiac) who completed med school in just three years. Dr. Perricone is a big believer in eating a diet rich in wild Alaskan salmon, green tea and anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables. His Perricone MD Restorative Night Treatment (1) ($100) boasts DMAE and Sodium Hyaluronate to resurface skins texture and help you wake to a face that could launch a thousand ships. Another well-known doctor skin line is the Dr. Brandt offering, and beauty experts swear his Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion for Face (2) ($75) is some of the best stuff available to give your skin a wake up call. Turns out Dr. Hauschka actually passed away in 1969, but his fabulous skin care lines lives on, with many devotees including Martha Stewart, who loves Dr. Hauschka Regerating Serum (3) ($85), which smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and helps regulate skins moisture balance. And that’s a really good thing.

Learn from their (Sk)insight 

Dr. Howard Sobel, the founder of the DDF (Doctors Dermatologic Formula) line of skin products, and has been a practicing dermatologist in NYC for over 25 years. The DDF Acne Tackle Box (1) ($35 for a 14-day supply) is a hit with both teenagers and adult acne sufferers alike, because no one wants to be fishing around for what is going to clear up their bad skin, results only need apply. Well-researched and concentrated ingredients are the hallmarks of the skin care line of Dr. Loretta Ciraldo. With multiple television appearances and her book Six Weeks to Sensational Skin: Dr. Loretta’s Beauty Camp for Your Freshest Face, this Miami Beach dermatologist has a lot of wisdom to impart. She offers specific products to treat redness and rosacea, including her Dr. Loretta Duo Cleanse (2) ($23). This cleanser helps improve both the look of pores and surface skin. MD Skincare is the brainchild of Dr. Dennis Gross, another famous NYC dermatologist. MD Skincare All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 (3) ($44) has just a touch of skin perfecting color and firms and smoothes as it protects you from the sun. You’ve likely seen Patricia Wexler MD in magazines such as Allure—she’s got the credentials and experience to be doling out advice to grief stricken skin patients. Her Patricia Wexler MD Dermatology Intensive 3-in-1 Eye Cream (4) ($32.50) is a multi tasker that will bring you lifted, tighter skin.

Sometimes a visit to your dermatologist is all you need to clear up mysteries of lines, dryness, redness and dullness. Don’t be shy, because whenever you are ready to commit, the skin doctor is always in.

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