Image Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser surprised the heck out of me, but  not in a good way.  The first time I used it was in the winter, and within a few days my eyelids started peeling.  I can't say that's ever happened before.  This cleanser is billed as a 3-in1 product in that it cleanses, exfoliates, and tones all in one, and I can vouch for the exfoliation first hand.

Here is the description from the Image Skincare site:

A universal foaming cleanser that rinses away makeup and oil. Balances the PH of your skin and eliminates the need for a toner. A gentle Glycolic Acid blend begins the exfoliating process to reveal smoother skin. Ideal for all skin types. 

So, I thought I'd give it a try again in warmer weather, as my already oily skin becomes even more oily.  No go again, as I can get away with using this maybe 3 times before my skin gets flaky.  So, in my experience, this is a harsh cleanser.  Or it's possible my skin is reacting to something in it.

Ingredients:  ammonium glycolate, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, glycol distearate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium laurylth sulfate, glycerin, menthol, dimethyl lauramin oleate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycolic acid, water (aqua), oleifera (greentea) leaf extract, citric acid, cocamidopropyl betaine,

I looked at EWG's Skin Deep Database and see a few potential offenders listed, including:

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a synthetic surfactant; it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine.

I also wasn't that happy to see a sulfate on the ingredients list as well.  I think I probably just need to cut my losses and toss this one:-(

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser is supposed to be available only from authorized distributors such as spas, estheticians, and physicians, although I've seen their products on Amazon.  The cleanser retails for about $26.

Disclosure:  I purchased this.

Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen SPF40 for Face: Sample Series v.1

I know that anyone who buys as much makeup or skincare products as I do has a surplus of samples laying around.  I'm making a concerted effort to make a dent in mine, and it occurred to me that I should feature the ones that leave a strong impression on me.  After all, we get these samples from stores because they hope we will be moved to purchase the full sized versions after trying a sample.  Occasionally I am but more often I'm not, but either way that's okay - they help me to make more informed decisions.

Since I'm committed to reforming my non SPF wearing ways and I read you should throw away SPF older than one year, I grabbed this Lavanila sample and put it on prior to walking the dogs Saturday.  I've also read that for adequate protection, you should use a teaspoons worth on your face (!!), so I used the entire packet.  What you see below were the dregs left over.

At first glance, the ingredient list looks good, especially the no harsh chemicals and other things not included part.  The description on Sephora sounds so lovely:

This residue-free, smooth-gliding, non-comedogenic formula uses a new generation of mineral sunscreens for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Infused with youth-promoting antioxidants, botanicals, and amino acids, this ultra-sheer formula delivers daily protection and nourishment. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide deliver high-level UV filters to keep fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots at bay.

I've voiced my dislike ad nauseum of sunscreens due to the greasy film they leave on my face, and this review is only going to ramp that up, sadly.  What struck me first was that it takes a while for the grayish white film you see above to dissipate.  In fact, it didn't completely, as my face did look a bit gray until I washed the sunscreen off.  Gray is not a good look for me, nor am I one of those looking for products to whiten my skin.  I like my warm undertones.  But to walk the dogs in the neighborhood, I figured I could deal, especially since I'm pretty sure no sun is getting through this SPF.  This stuff is heavy duty, as in I can feel it on my skin. 

Between the grayish cast, the heavy feel, and the obvious greasy sheen - this was a no go for me.  I washed it off as soon as I got back to the house.  I could perhaps see wearing this for lounging by the pool and swimming, as I think it probably lasts quite well in those conditions. 

Disclosure:  I received this sample as part of a purchase of other products.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Set in Neutral

I'm fascinated by these.  I hope I don't become obsessed.  The pigmentation is crazy, seriously off the charts.  As described on the OCC site:

A stunning new innovation in lip color, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. Goes on slick and moist, and dries down to a satin finish. Ultra-saturated in color, Lip Tar contains an unprecedented amount of pigment - a little goes a very, very long way! An intense yet featherweight layer of color that never looks or feels heavy. Meant to be mixed, Lip Tar comes in concise array of colors for a limitless selection of shades made by you! A simple, elegant formula that contains Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E, OCC Lip Tar feels as good on the lips as it looks!

Outdoors

• Interlace~ Palest Peach Creme
• Hush~ Pale Bridal Pink
• Memento~ Plum-Toned Pink
• Melange~ Terracotta Neutral
• NSFW~ True Red

Indoors

I just got this set so want to wear them for a while before reviewing, but could not resist posting some swatches.  I've been curious about OCC's lip tars but wasn't sure where to start, but beauty.com has two sets available  - neutrals and brights - so I figured the neutrals were the way to go.  The set retails for $49.50 and included 5 lips tars and a lip brush.  I'll be posting a review and some looks soon!

Disclosure:  I purchased these.

NOTD: Ghost by Rescue Beauty Lounge

Ghost

The second of the three polishes from the GOMM collection by Rescue Beauty Lounge that I have today is Ghost, a dark brown shimmer.  I love brown polishes and this one is a beauty.  Application was an easy 2 coats, although I did manage to get some brush strokes on my thumb. 

I looked through my stash to see if I have any dupes for Ghost, and I came close with Gilded Brown, a discontinued L'Oreal Wear Extradinaire polish from 1998.  Gilded Brown is actually darker and has a more reddish tone then Ghost, whose gold shimmer is more evident.  Both are gorgeous browns though.  Here's a bit of nostalgia for you:  Gilded Brown cost $4.25 in 1998.

Ghost vs. Gilded Brown

Ghost and visitor - check out his antennas

Ghost is LE from the gomm collection and is available at Rescue Beauty Lounge. 

Disclosure:  I purchased this. 

Cape Town Eyeshadow Trio by stila

Cape Town is the second of the stila shadow trios that I picked up recently from Sephora.  This palette makes for a great neutral eye look and I've found myself using it quite a lot in the past several weeks.  The shadows are soft and I just tap my brush on them to pick up the shadow.  Because they are so soft, I've also found that fallout can be an issue if I sweep the brush across my lid, so I also tap the shadow on my lid to avoid that problem.

oasis, sparkle, la douce

Oasis is a soft gold, sparkle a light tan, and la douce a light loden or khaki green.  All three have a shimmer finish, but nothing that is overdone or frosty.  I find these to be very wearable, and worn over a primer, I get all day wear without creasing.  Another nice thing about these are that the shadows have a magnetic back and can be popped out of the palette, so you can create your own custom trios. 

oasis, sparkle, la douce

Here are a few looks I've done in the last week with Cape Town.  I've been playing with some bolder lip looks recently, so a soft neutral eye was a perfect pairing.

Cape Town is LE from Sephora online only and retails for $16.  It's a great deal, considering a single shadow is normally $18.

Disclosure:  I bought this.

Meet Lulubelle (the real one) and July Roundup of Posts

Lulubelle, in all her shaggy glory

I'd like to introduce the real Lulubelle, or Lulu as she is commonly known.  She is a West Highland White Terrier whose name I have stolen as my online persona.  I've never met a happier dog and she's been a joy to live with the last 10 years.  Okay, the first year was hell on wheels, but luckily she's calmed down a bit.  Her full name is actually Tallulah Belle, in tribute to the incorrigible actress and fellow Alabama native, Tallulah Bankhead. Ms. Bankhead has some of the best quotes EVER. 

Here's what I looked at in July.

Makeup:

• Benefit Dandelion Face Powder and Ultra Plush Lip Gloss
• Sula Beauty Cream Shadow in Big Flirt
• L'Oreal Gel Lacquer Liner in Slate
• LA Splash Smudge Proof Mascara in Perfect Storm
• Sula Beauty Natural Lip Glosses
• Buxom Lipsticks in Milan, Amsterdam, Berlin
• Skinfood Peach Sake Pore BB Cream
• Tokidoki Gelato Lip Balm Stain in Mozzarella
• stila Monaco Eye Shadow Trio Set
• Buxom More to Love, Part One
• Buxom More to Love, Part Two
• the balm shadyLady, vol. 1
• Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup in Neutral
• Color of the Year Eyeliner Set from Sephora + Pantone
• The Devil's in the Details:  Jack Black Lip Balm Ingredient Snafu
• Korre's Lip Butter Glaze in Wild Rose, Quince & Raspberry
• J.R. Watkins Natural Beeswax Lip Balm
• L'Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner in Bronze

Miscellaneous:

• Empties!  Products I Finished in June

Nail of the Day:

• Neutral Beauty and Only Gold for Me
• Smooth Sailing by essie
• Graphite Gravity, Don't Blink, and Androgynie
• Poppy by Rescue Beauty Lounge

Skin/Body Care:

• Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Daily Kit for Oily/Impure Skin
• Immuno-Viva Renew Antiaging Serum
• Bubble & Bee Coffee Vanilla, Lemon Poppy & Mint Tea Organic Soaps
• Breakout Banisher Facial Cleanser by bayberry naturals
• Dr. Loretta Moisturizing Tint SPF15

Subscription Boxes:

• June Eco Emi
• July Birchbox:  Five Senses
• July Eco Emi:  Destress and Unwind

Empties! Products I Used Up in July

I finally used up the John Frieda sheer blonde shampoo I've had for several years now.  Crazy, I know.  It took me that long because I would only use it every once in a while as a clarifying shampoo, as I'm trying to stay away from shampoos that use sulfates.  I also used up a Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich deluxe shampoo sample.  It didn't wow me, and it also contains sulfates.  Here's a little factoid for you:  if you stay at a Hilton, you can get one too.  Yes, PTR developed this line for Hilton.  I got mine as a gift with purchase.  I also used up a PTR Un-Wrinkle Night cream sample.  I'm currently using the whole Un-Wrinkle line and am still percolating on how I feel about it.  

On now to products I liked and would purchase again!  Eminence's Lime Stimulating Masque and Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment are two of my favorites.  I like facial treatments that feel like they are doing something, and you can't help but notice these two.  They tingle and leave a rosy glow, probably due to ingredients like paprika and cinnamon.  Funny story - my mom was dog sitting for me one weekend and decided to try out some of my skincare stash.  She choose the Lime Stimulating masque and then got very concerned when her skin started tingling.  She took it off pronto because she wasn't sure what was happening.  It actually kind of burns, but it's a good burn:-)  I also finished up the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, but I'm not sure I noticed enough difference with it to repurchase.  It smells good enough to eat though.

The LaLicious scrubs are nice but I don't think I'll get the two scents shown above again.  The Lily Mango is a bit too sweet and strong, and the Coconut Cream I associate with Hawaian Tropic.  I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the scent of the philosophy Amazing Grace shower gel sample, but I'm not a big of enough fan of philosophy shower gels to purchase. 

The boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser is good, but I've found another charcoal based cleanser that I like better.  The Dr. Hauschka toner is worth another look, and I'm currently using up another sample of it that I received.  I enjoy using the Biore nose strips, mainly because I'm fascinated by what they pull out of my skin.  However, I'm not sure that they really help long term, so doubt I will repurchase unless I find a good sale. 

Disclosure:  I purchased all of these.