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I cannot tell you how excited I was to receive the full set of billy b’s Paint Brushes in the mail yesterday—sooooo excited! Not just because they came from the grand master of all things beauty, but because I am a big pathetic loser when it comes to makeup brushes and I have never splurged on really good ones.  Why? Honestly, I thought all makeup brushes were the same. Obviously (since yesterday) I have realized how absolutely wrong I was.

For makeup brushes I had only been using a blush brush, foundation brush, one eyeshadow brush and another to put on mineral powder as eyeliner. It’s sad but true…I’ve had the same brushes for years and years and they probably cost me less than $10 (ie. cheap and cheesy).

Let me first say that I gently laid them all out on my bathroom countertop.  My 5 year old was watching me and asked, and I’m not kidding, “Mommy? Are those paint brushes?” I then realized how aptly named these brushes were.  Read More of Shannon’s Review

So how does it work?  Simply hold the heat-generating tip directly on the zit of your choice.   After a little while the tip transfers heat directly into the zit.  Bacteria are very picky about their environment.  Raise the temperature just a few degrees and in two minutes you’ve successfully massacred millions of the little buggers.  Sounds great, but does ThermaClear actually work?  Since we have not tried it, we found an expert who has.  Sarah Bellum at  Beauty Brains recently reviewed ThermaClear and here’s what she said:

Yes, it does work, although it’s not 100% effective. The first few pimples I tried it on literally dried up over night. But I didn’t always see such miraculous results. So I gave it the acid test and gave it to my teen-age nephew to use. He said he uses it twice daily, once before school and once after. When I asked him if it helped his acne he replied “Uh, I guess it’s better.” So then I asked him why he’s using it twice every day if he’s not sure it’s working. His insightful response was “I dunno.”

Fortunately we don’t have to rely only his stirring testimony as proof that it works. Therative, the company that makes Thermaclear, have clinical studies that prove the efficacy of their little gadget. They’ve shown it can help clear up pimples 2 to 4 times faster than untreated pimples. (It would be interesting to see how Thermaclear compares to regular acne meds like Sal acid and BP but, alas, they didn’t test it that way. Read entire review

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This product is an amazing treat for the skin.  The second I started smoothing on the invigorating concoction of sugar granules and citrus essential oils, I knew I was in for something good.  The delicious and subtle citrus aroma was a boost to my lethargic, cabin-cramped body.

Feeling a little guilty for using my friend’s facial goodies without asking, I didn’t even leave the polish on for the recommended 10 minutes—it was probably only about 5.  Yet, when I washed off the scrub, my skin felt smoother than after a trip to my facialist.  It looked and felt vibrant, revitalized, and healthy.  I really marveled at the baby softness and I vowed to own this product!

Read BonBon’s In The Bath Fresh Series

My impressions after Day 1? I’m rejoicing over the fact that the scrub has left my skin feeling incredibly moisturized (which my combination skin desperately needs). So far this morning, I haven’t noticed any reactions, which is a very good thing.

“I have been using “h” serum morning and night after my cleansing routine, and before my moisturizer for just ten days now. I must say that I am most impressed with what the serum has done so far. You see, I used Retin-A on part of my forehead that broke out in acne after I had my daughter over 11 years ago. I didn’t use the retin-A for long, maybe 2 months, as it took care of the acne, but left me very red, dry, and so sensitive to the sun, even to this day.” Read entire review

HGH is a topic Skinplistic wants to discuss in more detail, it’s very controversial and very exciting!  Let us know if you have any specific questions or concerns.

[ Via AgingFabulous.com ] 

The Fashion Police:
Beauty Product Review: Crème de La Mer
“Well, I used it for just over a month, and while my skin is undeniably softer, it’s hard to know whether this is due to the Crème de la Mer, or to the additional water I’ve been trying to drink lately. Even if it is all down to the cream, it’s not so much softer that I’d be willing to spend £500 on it."

Makeup Alley:
User Reviews
"The texture of the cream is very thick and even when I warm the cream in between my fingers, it’s still quite thick and difficult to apply on my skin. However, after the cream is applied, it has good staying power. I can feel the moisturizing affect on my dry, sensitive skin. My skin is very proned to dehydration and CDLM helps protect my skin from dehydrating. Good firming action as well. It leaves a slight shine so is more suitable as a night cream. CDLM may not be for everyone but it certainly suits my skin type."

FabSugar:
La Mer is La Crème de La Crème
“The texture and appearance of your skin dramatically change into something softer, smoother, firmer, and aging lines and pores are noticeably less visible. Even the application is special.”

Paula’s Choice:
Product Review: La Mer
“It turns out that Creme de la Mer was, and still is, almost exclusively water, thickening agents, and some algae. But this miracle product wasn’t enough, at least not for the Lauder company, which was selling a lot of product and clearly understood that, in the world of skin care, if one product sounds good women will buy other unrelated products that carry the same name.”

 
Skinplistic Editor’s Review:
Review: Crème de La Mer 
"The “Miracle Broth” is the primary component in La Mer’s Crème and other products now available from the line.  Basically you are spending $195 for sea kelp, citrus, eucalyptus, alfalfa, calcium, iron, vitamin C, E and b-12 and a whole lot of press!"

Advantages: Dramatically repairs dry skin instantly.  With repeated use, your skin attains a very healthy and supple complexion.

Disadvantages: The Crème is extremely dense.  You cannot just apply, it takes work. It may cause breakouts or clog your pores.

Conclusions: While the condition of your skin does improve, the cost is a bit high for a product that simply alleviates dry skin.

Makeup Alley:

InStyle:
Best Beauty Buys of 2007
“Look radiant with the Best Tinted Moisturizer using Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. The moisturizing formula hydrates skin leaving a natural, dewy finish while also providing protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.”

Eliza Say’s Let’s Review:
Oh Laura!
“I find that the moisturizer blends really well and it doesn’t cause my face to break out at all. And because it’s lighter than foundation, it only evened out my skin tone and lighted up the redness on my cheeks”

Oprah Selects:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
“The sheer, lightweight moisturizer adds a hint of color that can be used in place of foundation for a natural appearance while adding a healthy glow to your complexion”

Skinplistic Editor’s Review:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
“Any skin type would benefit from Laura’s this tinted moisturizer, as I said, it does provide some hydration, it gives a very natural look with a healthy glow and provides protection from UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 20.”

*Advantages: Light weight, SPF 20, blends well into the skin, is long lasting and non-comedogentic.

*Disadvantages: It’s only available in 8 shades so you may have to blend yourself also, it comes in a tube so it’s not ideal for touch-ups and it’s no cheap!

*Conclusions: Laura’s Tinted Moisturizer has a great light weight texture that is easy to apply.  The shades are limited but it is very sheer and blends well into the skin.  It can be used in place of foundation for a more healthy and natural appearance.  While it does cost $40, it’s totally worth it.

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint

“I liked the feel of the cleansing pad vibrating on my face and my skin did feel smoother, refreshed and clean. The tool was a little noisy when it vibrated which did not bother me but might bug some people.”

Note: The original Dove SkinVitalizer introduced and sold January and February of 2006 was recalled.  The product was re-introduced January 2007.  The difference between the two versions?  Dove explains, “the first SkinVitalizer had mechanical hooks which grabbed the pillow and attached it to the device.  The new and improved SkinVitalizer uses a soft velcro-like material to attach the pillows onto the device.”  This means, if the cleansing pad comes loose, your skin will no longer be exposed to mechanical hooks rather, a velcro-like material that should be less harmful!

[Via LipstickPowdernPaint.com ]