Saturday, July 2, 2011

REVIEWS: Sephora Skincare Haul

If you have been treated by a doctor for eczema before, you may be told that you can use your cream/gel/ointment consistenly for 2 weeks max.  The odd thing is, that may apply to your regular facial lotion too.  

I've noticed that for creams or lotions, is that when it works, it seems most effective on the first two days I use it.  For the following 2 weeks, it is still moderately effective.  Afterwards, the effectiveness goes down.  Because of this, I am always on the hunt for new lotions or creams to try out.

Back in May 2011, I took advantage of Sephora's 20% off entire purchase, made my purchase.  I tried out several serums and creams for 2 months and I can now give feedback on my experience! :) 


 

Jurlique Calendula Cream

Description from Sephora: 
A gentle cream that calms and soothes sensitive skin prone to redness.
This natural, non-greasy cream provides hydration and instant relief to irritated red skin. Rich in calendula and witch hazel, this product provides anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin immediately while preventing future flare-ups.

My take:
Sounds so good doesn't it?  So good, this is the first thing I grabbed when I opened my box.   The Calendula cream came in a metal-ish tube, I had to pierce the opening with the outside of the cap.  The cream was fairly thick and was slightly yellow, no strong scent.  I gave the produce several tries, when my skin ranged from normal to moderate eczema.  Unfortunately this stung my face.  I didn't feel soothed, rather, it felt heavy, like it just sat on top of my skin.  I was disappointied, I really wanted to like this cream.

Rating:  5/10

 
Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

Description from Sephora: 
A soothing moisturizer that calms dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.
In a world of irritants, this soothing balm-like formula provides comfort to your skin. It blends the best ingredients from nature and science to restore your skin's natural barriers while providing relief from reactivity to environmental irritants, wind, and extreme cold.
Ideal for dry, cracked, easily irritated skin, and those bothered by wind and extreme cold. Tested by a leading dermatologist who specializes in skin allergies on dry, sensitive, and reactive skins.

My take:  Finally!  A cream that works!  The cream is very similar to butter, its thick and slightly yellow.  It didn't sting my face and several hours after application, I felt a light protective moisure.  Two days later, my skin became calm.  It's a huge jar, I've used up 1/3 after 2 months.  At $40 per 50ml jar, this will last me a total of 6 months.  
Based on experience, sensitive creams often do not provide enough lasting moisture.  The Clinique Comfort on Call is no exceptions.  that is where the serums come in...

Rating:  7/10
 
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Description from Sephora: 
A refreshing cream-gel that instantly replenishes skin with 24 hours of soothing hydration.
This light, comfortable cream-gel is a "drink" for skin, continuously plumping it with hydration. Fine lines, flakiness, and tightness are washed away. Skin looks and feels happier and healthier—even through shifts in humidity.

My take:
Once I started to read the ingredients on the box I didn't bother opening.  It's got Birch Bark Extract.  My recent allergy tests say I am do no fare well with Birch trees.  Though they are not exactly the same thing, it is likely to have the same effect.  I was not wiling to take the chance.
Doh!  Why didn't I bother to check the ingredients before adding it to my cart?

Rating:  n/a
 
Murad Hydro-Dynamic™Ultimate Moisture
Description from Sephora:
A rich, skin-quenching formula that provides instant and lasting hydration to restore youthful resilience and tone.
This powerful hydrator is clinically demonstrated to lock in optimal moisture levels for up to eight hours and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

My take:
My fault again for not checking the ingredients first, I've recently became allergic to Oats and this has
 Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract.  Would've loved for this to work!

Rating:  n/a


Skyn Iceland Antioxidant Calming Serum

Description from Sephora:
A soothing, lightweight serum that helps promote healing, reduce redness, and minimize the signs of aging.
Accelerated aging and increased sensitivity can be the warning signs of chronically stressed skin. With powerful moisturizers and active extracts, Skyn Iceland Antioxidant Calming Serum helps diminish the signs of aging while reducing redness, dehydration, and irritation in the skin.

My take:
I had a very immediate action, it stung like a motha!  I waited again when I knew my skin was doing well, and it still stung.  The ingredients passed my ridiculous allergy list so I was surprised.  Again, too bad, I was looking forward to getting irritation diminished. :P

Rating:  3/10


HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase

Description from Sephora:
An intensive serum for dehydrated skin.
This bi-phase serum, with its imperceptible, comfortable texture, restores a youthful vitality to the most dehydrated complexions, even in extreme climates.

My take:
I picked this up because of the keywords, "serum for dehydrated skin".  Ingredients list checked, no problems.  There are two very different liquids in the bottle, you can clearly see the line where the liquids are separated, like oil and water.  As directed, I shook the bottle well before using.  The first time I tried this, it was in the evening before going to bed.  The next day I noticed my skin was much more hydrated than the night before.  My skin was smoother.  Although the ingredients do not list it, this product smells like it has some perfume.  So although I my skin was more hydrated, the redness did not diminish.  I plan to use this on my lower skin sensitivity days.

Rating:  6/10

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum

Description from Sephora:
A moisture-locking treatment that delivers a luminous glow.
Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is a red-carpet favorite and an essential step towards Kate's signature radiance. Ideal for normal-to-dry skin types, this wondrously effective treatment moisturizes skin and protects against photoaging, regenerating tissue to promote firmness and elasticity. Skin is left looking youthful, healthy, and fresh.

My take:
Honestly I had doubts with this product.  However, it was one of the few hydrating-type serums that Sephora sold.  The packaging was nice, it had an clear window indicator on the side that shows how much product is left.  This serum is clear and the texture is just slightly heavier than some of the silicone based make-up primers I've used.  I didn't believe anything silicon could do much to moisturizing my face.  The surprising part was, even when my skin was mildly sensitive, this did not sting.  Though it didn't moisturize as well as the Clarins HydraQuench Serum, it definitely helped to keep the moisture locked in longer when used before the Clinique Comfort on Call.  Was happy with this purchase!

Rating:  8/10

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