I have long trusted in Doctors Dermatologic Formula ever since I used their Glycolic 5% Exfoliating Body Wash so I found no reason to not try out their Enhancing Sun Protection .

This is the sun block I’ve been using for a little over a month now. It has not made me break out at all and has actually improved the quality of my skin. It goes on smoothly, not greasy at all, and leaves a subtle dewy finish if I decide to apply an additional layer or two.

The reason why it’s called “Enhancing” Sun Protection is because the tiny purplish spheres you see will create a subtle sun-kissed finish on your skin once you apply it. It will only have a sun-kissed appearance on very fair complexions and may disappear on those with slightly tan or yellow skin. All in all, I love this sunblock,  it looks amazing on my skin without any of the undesirable qualities of other sunblocks i.e. chalkiness, streaks, etc.

This is a product that definitely heard of more than I’ve ever seen any one use- in magazines, on tv, etc. I’ve battled my curiosity for years, until now.

I’m the type with skin that is easily swayed by the weather. Oily when it is hot, dry when it is cold. That said, my skin needs an array of products to keep it in check.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is easy to use and while others may not like the smell, it reminds me a lot of Pharmacy school- calamine and all. It feels cool upon application and dries after a minute or two. It’s ideal for whiteheads and pimples that are on the verge of erupting. It does have an effect on blackheads, but not as pronounced as its effect on ripe pimples and whiteheads.

This was tremendously disappointing mascara, more so since I have always considered myself a true fan of Laura Mercier’s makeup, namely the mascaras and concealers.

1. This does not hold a curl- at all. Infact, it obliterates it entirely. One coat, lashes are weighing down slightly. Two coats, lashes are completely straight. I’m the type that likes to get a precise curl with an eyelash curler prior to applying mascara, so this made me very upset.

Returned it to Sephora and will never buy again. Ironically, I still like and use Laura Mercier’s Waterproof Mascara, which does a great job at lengthening, thickening and holding a curl (all day long).

This was recommended to me by one of the Sephora staff.  MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara promises volume, length, intense pigment and curl. Sadly, I can only verify the pigment and to a small extent, the volume. My biggest disappointment was that it straightened out my meticulously curled lashes- so much for the curl. If you’re the type that has naturally straight lashes, skip this mascara and get Laura Mercier’s Waterproof Mascara or Shiseido Lasting Lift Mascara.

My Sephora beauty bank hit 100 points and I picked this sample of  DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew. What can I say about it? It’s the perfect moisturizer. I used to swear by Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar (I still do from time to time) but this has won me over.

It goes on smoothly and quickly, does not leave any greasy afterfeel. It can be worn under makeup. I use it as a day and night moisturizer. I just love it!

Bath & Body Works’ Just a Minute 60 Second Manicure Scrub is probably one of those things I wouldn’t have buyed had I not been bored enough to try it in the store. It’s great the first week or two, but they really should’ve mentioned that is product should stay out of the shower unless you never use hot water. The temperature in the shower melted all the sugar crystals so now this is no longer a “scrub” but just a glorified hand wash. Oh well, it was alright while it lasted and it still softens my cuticles at the very least.

I warmed to this line when I tried some of the products they stock the Le Parker Meridien New York with. The bath and facial soaps were divine, one of them had rice as an ingredient and worked wonders on my skin. Sadly, I think that those are hotel exclusives as I cannot find them online or in any of the stores.  Wanting to enjoy a similar bathing experience, I tried Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Buffing Beads Body Wash.

Pros

To some extent, it does as promised. My skin did look more even and had a glow to it after a week of use.

Rinses clean.

Cons

Personally, I find the smell unpleasant. Not immediately so, but my dislike of it increases with time. The scent smells more like chemicals than anything else.

A little does not go a long way and you will definitely need to douse your body puff with a generous amount.

These are my favorite eyebrow razors – EVER! I’m not a fan of waxing or plucking. I’ve been told by dermatologists and have read in books and magazines that plucking can lead to permanent damage to the hair bulb. Eyebrow shapes are something I like to experiment and have fun with. Sometimes I like them a little thinner and arched, at other times I want them blocky and bushy. Shaving them lets me reinvent the shape and thickness without risking “bald spots” in my brows.

Pros

Sharp blade allows for quick and effective shaving

Lasts relatively long, one razor lasts me 1 month sometimes

Cons

Not to be used by beginners, blade is very sharp and can cause serious cuts

You can find these online or at your local Japanese, Korean or Asian markets such as Marukai.

Left: Without fixing gel; Right: With fixing gel

Christian Dior’s Diorshow Brow Fixing Gel in No. 781 Shiny Brown is great for brunettes. It’s not that apparent in the photos but the difference is very striking in real life, but never “fake-looking”.  It’s hard to mess up when using this, the distribution of pigment is very forgiving even if you get a little of it on your skin- the real effect is on the eyebrow hairs.

Pros

Very natural looking, does not look like makeup

Easy to remove with just soap and water

Cons

Meant as an eyebrow “enhancer” and not “creator”. This product will not let you draw your eyebrows on. Use this if you like your natural brow shape and simply want a little more “oomph”.

]]> http://beautytopics.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/diorshow-brow-fixing-gel/feed/ 0 beautytopics dior2 dior1 brows