Skin care

[dragonfly411]

I have enjoyed Mary Kay for the most part. I am looking for an alternative though so am going to read through some of these. I just can''t put out the expense of Mary Kay. I like St. Ives for a face scrub, their Apricot scrub... yum. I love Burts Bees chap stick, it really has done wonders on my lips.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Ladies, I found the newest (2009 model) Clarisonic Pro here for $157.00 with free shipping! It''s the white one with the blue grip.

 

[T L]

Is the clarisonic good for sensitive skin though? My other reservations about it are these.

It can spread bacteria around your face.

The heads must get dirty.

How do you keep the heads bacteria free?

Wouldn''t a good exfoilater/peel do just as good a job?

 

[soocool]

I have used lots of different skincare products over the years, but for the past 10 I swear by Avon Anew products. It all started with a few samples someone gave me and now I am hooked. I am over 50 and everyone comments how beautiful my skin looks and I do not spend a ton of money. I wash my face once a day, at night with either Abolene cream or Vaseline petroleum jelly. It takes all the makeup off gently, including masacara. I use a toner in the morning..by Prescriptives (boo hoo! they are discontinuing Prescriptives either the end of this year or Jan of 2010. I just stocked up $500.00 worth of my favorites)

BTW, I am famous for asking for samples (even in department stores) before I buy and all are willing to oblige. That is the best way to try before spending lots of money for something you do not like.

Last month I got samples from Kohl''s and I am liking some of their skin care products, especially the microcrystal skin refinisher (about $25.00) and their Citra-Peel ($32.00) I understand that their skincare and makeup products are manufactured by Estee Lauder. If you are good at asking for samples you may never have to spend any money on some of this stuff too!

 

[kittybean]

Date: 10/12/2009 8:43:28 AM
Author: Irishgrrrl
AJ, I''m with you! My pores tend to get clogged easily, and the Clarisonic sounds awesome!

I noticed that the one Kittybean linked to above (on Amazon) is the ''Pro'' model, which is supposed to be the top-of-the-line one, according to Clarisonic''s website. And that does look like a very good price, compared to what they''re going for on Clarisonic''s site. Can anyone tell us more about this fabulous gadget? Like AJ said, I''m also wondering exactly how it works? Do you just get the brush wet under the faucet, put your regular face wash on the brush (which for me is Clinique oily skin formula) and then scrub your face with the brush? And from what I''m reading, the Clarisonic ''tells'' you how long to spend on each area of your face, right? Which brush should ''newbies'' start with . . . the regular, sensitive, or delicate one? Any additional info would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

To use the Clarisonic, you get your face and the brush wet with warm water. You can apply your cleanser to the brush head or to your face. The device can be set on a one-minute or two-minute cycle, and it beeps and pauses when you are supposed to move onto the next area of your face. On a one-minute cycle, you are supposed to spend 20 seconds on your nose and chin, 20 seconds on your forehead, and 10 seconds on each cheek. The device is waterproof, so you can leave it in your shower or use it at a sink. (Important to note: the charging cradle is not waterproof and should not be submerged.)

You are supposed to replace the brush head every 3-4 months. The brush heads are bacteria-resistant, but I drop mine in boiling water once a week to get rid of anything that might be on it. I have the delicate brush head, as I was just coming off Accutane (isotretinoin in a pill form) and my skin is very sensitive. I am able to use it twice a day without redness or peeling as long as I use Cetaphil cleanser with it. Some people use the Clarisonic once a day or a couple times a week if every day is too much for their skin. I think most of the starter packs have the sensitive brush head(in between delicate and normal); that would probably be the best for newbies.

TL, I''m not an expert, so I don''t know if an exfoliator or peel would do as good a job, but if you read some of the reviews out there, the skin care nuts seem to think that the Clarisonic does a better job. Personally, I think it removes makeup better and gives more of a squeaky-clean feeling than the exfoliators I have. Also, I have noticed a difference in my skin; just as my acne was starting to come back post-Accutane, I started using the Clarisonic, and it became noticeably better. If I do get a blemish, it seems to go away much more quickly, and I get less of them.

Hope that is helpful!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Kittybean, thanks for posting! That info was VERY helpful and . . . I ordered one!

I can''t wait for it to get here! Wish me luck!

 

[kittybean]

Date: 10/12/2009 12:40:46 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl
Kittybean, thanks for posting! That info was VERY helpful and . . . I ordered one!

I can''t wait for it to get here! Wish me luck!

How exciting! I hope you love it. One more thing I forgot to mention: your creams/serums/other topicals will absorb better after you use it, so don''t overload on stuff like Retin-A or other topicals that can irritate your skin (found that out the hard way). I can put on less with better results these days, which is so nice!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 10/12/2009 1:59:04 PM
Author: kittybean

Date: 10/12/2009 12:40:46 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl
Kittybean, thanks for posting! That info was VERY helpful and . . . I ordered one!

I can''t wait for it to get here! Wish me luck!

How exciting! I hope you love it. One more thing I forgot to mention: your creams/serums/other topicals will absorb better after you use it, so don''t overload on stuff like Retin-A or other topicals that can irritate your skin (found that out the hard way). I can put on less with better results these days, which is so nice!

Thanks for the tip! I don''t use Retin-A or anything like that . . . just Clinique, Clinique, and more Clinique! LOL! So I think I should be OK. But it WILL be nice to be able to use less of my "stuff" and make it last longer!

 

[soocool]

Date: 10/12/2009 2:13:59 PM
Author: SanDiegoLady
I''m using Anew products by Avon.. cheap and they make my skin feel wonderful. I have an eye cream and a daytime and nighttime cream.. love them!

Yeah! A fellow Avon Anew lover!!!

 

[packrat]

I''m using an acne line from Skin Medica right now. I got it from the place where I got the facial peels done. Having peels helped a little, especially the last one, which was a Skin Medica one. I wish the peels weren''t so expensive and I didn''t have to drive an hour 1 way to have it done.

My gramma sent me a link to something called...lemme think..Thera clear or Therma clear or something? It''s a device that uses light and you put it on your skin-she said it had great reviews on some Dr. show she watches..it''s about the price of that Clarisonic machine. Anyone ever tried it?

 

[katebar]

Date: 10/12/2009 2:38:31 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 10/11/2009 11:57:54 PM
Author: kittybean

Date: 10/11/2009 11:41:51 PM

Author: arjunajane

Can someone please tell me what a Clarisonic is? I like the sounds of it..

AJ, get ready for a big skin care expenditure

.


The Clarisonic is a skin cleaning tool made by Sonicare (the sonic toothbrush company). It has a brush that oscillates sonically to massage your face and clean it. It is supposed to remove makeup six times better than just washing your face, and it leaves your skin squeaky-clean and shiny. I love mine! Amazon actually has it for a great price right now: linky.


You can read reviews of it online at makeupalley.com or on Sephora''s website.

Thankyou KB - sounds and looks really interesting!
Never heard of this contraption, I will have to see if they sell this type of thing in Aus, as the shipping from Amazon would likely be a killer..
I tend to have quite open/clogged pores so this sounds like it would be good for me..

So you just use your regular facewashes but use the brush to apply them?

AJ they don''t sell it in Australia but you can buy it on the internet and just get a plug adaptor I had one for 2 years now and love it!

 

[katebar]

I am the anti aging holy grail looking Queen. Essential day spa forum is the bomb for all the cutting edge and DIY stuff. I now make my own Vit C serum and body lotions for a fraction of the price and do facial exercises that are free!
My latest find is this cream for dark circles and wrinkles which has made a huge difference. This blog is brillant too! http://www.middle-ageless.com/
I still use some high end stuff but mostly cheaper products and some gadgets too!

 

[bebe]

Date: 10/12/2009 5:22:51 PM
Author: katebar
I am the anti aging holy grail looking Queen. Essential day spa forum is the bomb for all the cutting edge and DIY stuff. I now make my own Vit C serum and body lotions for a fraction of the price and do facial exercises that are free!
My latest find is this cream for dark circles and wrinkles which has made a huge difference. This blog is brillant too! http://www.middle-ageless.com/
I still use some high end stuff but mostly cheaper products and some gadgets too!

katebar, I love that forum. If I''m not careful, I''m buying into all kinds of stuff. I even bought the infra-red light wand that everyone was buying! Too much trouble to use. But I do enjoy reading and learning. And Skin actives is good too.

 

[katebar]

Date: 10/12/2009 5:31:50 PM
Author: bebe

Date: 10/12/2009 5:22:51 PM
Author: katebar
I am the anti aging holy grail looking Queen. Essential day spa forum is the bomb for all the cutting edge and DIY stuff. I now make my own Vit C serum and body lotions for a fraction of the price and do facial exercises that are free!
My latest find is this cream for dark circles and wrinkles which has made a huge difference. This blog is brillant too! http://www.middle-ageless.com/
I still use some high end stuff but mostly cheaper products and some gadgets too!

katebar, I love that forum. If I''m not careful, I''m buying into all kinds of stuff. I even bought the infra-red light wand that everyone was buying! Too much trouble to use. But I do enjoy reading and learning. And Skin actives is good too.

Yes I bought that light and used it for a while but have stopped I will start again soon! I am using Safetox contraption too which I love. Skin actives is great for DIY

 

[luv2sparkle]

Arjunajane- I bought my first clarisonic from QVC, mostly because of the return policy. I wanted a noticeable difference. I bought the Mia for my son, who is a college student, this summer and he loves the
small size of it. Right now, QVC''s return policy is until the end of january so you would really have a chance to see if it is for you.

Also, I had a problem with one of the clarisonics and I called the company, it was not quite a year old. It stopped working. They sent me a brand new one that day with a postage sticker to send the other
back at no charge. They have great customer service. It''s a big purchase, but really worth it. Since they stand behind their product I''m doubly sold!

The new Mia is a smaller size for traveling. If fits great in your make-up bag. The power is exactly the same as the larger models and uses the same brushes. It is not three speed, but one. Also, if you have
multiple people that want to use it in your family, you can buy them their own brush. Two of my boys do this, and two have their own.

 

[arjunajane]

Thankyou Kittybean, Irish, Katebar and Luvs for all the info on the clarisonic!
I see an order on my chrissie list...

 

[arjunajane]

From skin medix, the site that Irish found, I can get the 2009 Pro 4 speed with the extra brush for your body, and power adaptor, for ~230 AUD ( $200 USD including shipping).
What do you girls think, is it worth it? Who wants to enable? lol..


Katebar, what do you do when you need to replace the brush head? doesn''t it get exxy with shipping?


Also, kittybean or others, can you tell me do you just keep using whatever regular cleanser you use normally? Or do you need to get a more gentle one/use cetaphil?

 

[luv2sparkle]

I think that is about the standard price for them. I know on QVC.com you get a least one, if not two extra brushes with it, plus some cleansers as well.
You get different freebies on the claisonic.com site. The brushes are about 25. each (US). When you get them from QVC the extra brushes are a freebie. I''d
check both places. I would want to buy one that came with at least two, the regular and the sensitive. We use them interchangeably and I don''t notice that
big a difference personally. I am not diligent about replacing them at the appointed time, just when they look really bent to me. I use mine twice a day.

 

[luv2sparkle]

You can pretty much use whatever cleanser you use now providing it doesn''t have ''scrubbie'' particles in it. My kids dermatologist told them using it with a
scrub would give them an ''office type'' peel. I thought and this is bad how? I pay big bucks for them to have that peel! You mean I could get it at home!
Of course I didn''t say that out loud, but decided I was going to try that one.

 

[kittybean]

Date: 10/12/2009 9:47:29 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
You can pretty much use whatever cleanser you use now providing it doesn''t have ''scrubbie'' particles in it. My kids dermatologist told them using it with a
scrub would give them an ''office type'' peel. I thought and this is bad how? I pay big bucks for them to have that peel! You mean I could get it at home!
Of course I didn''t say that out loud, but decided I was going to try that one.

OUCH. Good to know!

 

[arjunajane]

Cheers luv2sparkle!
Unfortunately QVC to do not ship to Australia

, nor Sephora etc..

It's looking like the one Irish found is a good bet..

 

[iluvcarats]

I use the Patricia Wexler line from Bath and Body Works. They are great products, and you get a starter kit for around $45.
Now I am all intrigued by the Clarisonic

might have to try it...

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Date: 10/11/2009 8:44:22 PM
Author: icekid

Date: 10/11/2009 8:27:30 PM

Author: kittybean


I think good ol'' Retin-A is probably the best anti-aging treatment out there. My pharmacy charges $40 for a generic tube. My mom is almost 54 and has very few wrinkles, and she uses Retin-A daily. It also helps with acne (this is why I use it), so you can kill two birds with one stone if you have blemishes.

Ditto this!

I third this. I use the Neutregenia night time intensive wrinkle cream. I was very sensitive to Retin A (although I have never tried Retin A micro which is supposed to have less side effects), so I thought maybe trying OTC would the good effects without the bad. It it great for my acne and wrinkles. I also now use at least SPF 35 on regular days, and on days I know I am out in the sun I use a sunscreen with zinc.

 

[katebar]

Date: 10/12/2009 9:29:55 PM
Author: arjunajane
From skin medix, the site that Irish found, I can get the 2009 Pro 4 speed with the extra brush for your body, and power adaptor, for ~230 AUD ( $200 USD including shipping).
What do you girls think, is it worth it? Who wants to enable? lol..


Katebar, what do you do when you need to replace the brush head? doesn''t it get exxy with shipping?


Also, kittybean or others, can you tell me do you just keep using whatever regular cleanser you use normally? Or do you need to get a more gentle one/use cetaphil?

Just get them off ebay. No probs.
Cetaphil is the cleanser I use. Use in the shower every morning!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/13/2009 3:54:26 AM
Author: katebar

Date: 10/12/2009 9:29:55 PM

Author: arjunajane

From skin medix, the site that Irish found, I can get the 2009 Pro 4 speed with the extra brush for your body, and power adaptor, for ~230 AUD ( $200 USD including shipping).

What do you girls think, is it worth it? Who wants to enable? lol..



Katebar, what do you do when you need to replace the brush head? doesn't it get exxy with shipping?



Also, kittybean or others, can you tell me do you just keep using whatever regular cleanser you use normally? Or do you need to get a more gentle one/use cetaphil?

Just get them off ebay. No probs.

Cetaphil is the cleanser I use. Use in the shower every morning!

Thanks Kate!
So would you recommend I get that one then?
What do you think of the price ?

 

[katebar]

Clarisonic Mia™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System (4 items) $165.03 AUD Convert
Mia, for on the go glow. Say hello to Clarisonic Mia. Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life''s adventures take you.
Kit includes:
Cordless Clarisonic Mia
Compact pLink™ International Charger
Sensitive Brush Head
1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser
This is where i got miine from
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/clarisonic_face_brush.htm
I use them heaps for things and I think I get 15% off and have it sent to you if you like hon?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/13/2009 5:34:03 AM
Author: katebar
Clarisonic Mia™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System (4 items) $165.03 AUD Convert

Mia, for on the go glow. Say hello to Clarisonic Mia. Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life's adventures take you.

Kit includes:

Cordless Clarisonic Mia

Compact pLink™ International Charger

Sensitive Brush Head

1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

This is where i got miine from

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/clarisonic_face_brush.htm

I use them heaps for things and I think I get 15% off and have it sent to you if you like hon?

Thanks Kate for the link and offer hon!...This is the one I was considering from the other site, (however there's no price for it on that link you provided):



Clarisonic PRO Skin Care System with Spot-Therapy Kit (7 items)


6 times more makeup removal, Leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother.

The Clarisonic Pro features four adjustable speeds. Treatment leaves skin smooth, healthy and radiant.

Kit Includes:
Cordless White Clarisonic Pro with variable speed settings
Sensitive brush head (White)
Spot-Therapy brush head for Body(Charcoal)
Universal Charging cradle (100v-240v)
Refreshing Gel Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Gentle Hydro Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Nourishing Care Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Refining Skin-Polish (2.0oz / 60ml)



So do you own the Mia? Do you think it matters it only has the one speed?

I think I would prefer to get the Pro, as it has the body brush too..any idea how to find out the price?

 

[katebar]

Date: 10/13/2009 5:58:40 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 10/13/2009 5:34:03 AM
Author: katebar

Clarisonic Mia™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System (4 items) $165.03 AUD Convert

Mia, for on the go glow. Say hello to Clarisonic Mia. Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life''s adventures take you.


Kit includes:

Cordless Clarisonic Mia

Compact pLink™ International Charger

Sensitive Brush Head

1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

This is where i got miine from

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/clarisonic_face_brush.htm

I use them heaps for things and I think I get 15% off and have it sent to you if you like hon?

Thanks Kate for the link and offer hon!...This is the one I was considering from the other site, (however there''s no price for it on that link you provided):



Clarisonic PRO Skin Care System with Spot-Therapy Kit (7 items)


6 times more makeup removal, Leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother.

The Clarisonic Pro features four adjustable speeds. Treatment leaves skin smooth, healthy and radiant.

Kit Includes:
Cordless White Clarisonic Pro with variable speed settings
Sensitive brush head (White)
Spot-Therapy brush head for Body(Charcoal)
Universal Charging cradle (100v-240v)
Refreshing Gel Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Gentle Hydro Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Nourishing Care Cleanser (1.0oz / 30ml)
Refining Skin-Polish (2.0oz / 60ml)



So do you own the Mia? Do you think it matters it only has the one speed?

I think I would prefer to get the Pro, as it has the body brush too..any idea how to find out the price?

Its weird they don''t have the price on those. Don''t bother with the body brush just dry brush every day much better and cheaper!
I only use on speed on my pro never bothered to look inot the other speeds. Can''t be bothered with the cleansers they provided cetpahil is better. I used the sensitve head for a week then swithched to the other but i don''t have sensitive skin.
This is a thread on EDS comparing the mini with the pro
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=35666

 

[arjunajane]

Thankyou Kate - yes I read that comparison and also a number more across different sites -

and I''m convinced, so I bought one!

I ended up going for the Pro model from skin medix, as it was the cheapest of any site - and what can I say, I''m a sucker for "premium models", lol..
It has 4 speeds, the sensitive brush, plus the body speed/brush, and the face/body wash samples.
I also ordered an extra regular brush, as I don''t have sensitive skin.

Thanks all who bought my attention to this one, I''m really looking forward to receiving it and will report back on what I think !

And cheers especially to Kate for answering all my Q''s and your kind offer to order it

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am quite pleased with Plantidote Mushroom Moisturizer and Serum (Dr. Weil for Origins) depsite it''s funky smell.

Neostrata''s Vit C concentrate is a must have for me everyday.

Reversa 8% glycolic acid--weekly f I remember. Gotta be careful with this stuff--can cause irritations due to it''s potency.

Lots of water, balanced diet and Omega Oils.

cheers--Sharon