Reducing Frizz: Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream Review

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This past April, I noticed that my once straight hair is now wavy. I’m glad I use shampoos/conditioners with low ph levels because that is supposed to help with frizz (and be good for your scalp). But despite that, my hair is still naturally frizzy so I decided to experiment with some leave-in, anti-frizz products.

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If I don’t put any product in it, my hair is mostly a big puff ball of frizz, rather than a defined wavy pattern. I began thinking that when I went out that people viewed me as this unkempt crazy women with weird, Continue reading →

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make p:rem Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam Review

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Because I’m a fan of their in-shower mask (click here for my review), I knew I would love  the Make P:rem Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam. I’m still on my first bottle but have already purchased a second one so that I can be certain I won’t run out. [Update Jan 2019: The packaging has changed to a softer looking plastic tube since I wrote this review. I’m still using older bottles so haven’t had a chance to try it yet.]

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Mia’s review: I have combination skin with cheeks/chin that can be quite dehydrated. So I’m always looking for a cleanser that is creamy looking rather than clear. I don’t know why but I assume Continue reading →

make p:rem In-shower Mask Review

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I’ve been using sheet masks for a decade and can’t make myself use them regularly. I just don’t like sitting around with something on my face for 15-20 minutes even if all I’m doing is watching TV. I love the results (i.e., glow-y skin) of using a sheet mask but that still isn’t enough to get me to use them regularly. This is why I thought an in-shower mask would be prefect for me.

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Mia’s review: I love the make p:rem in-shower face mask! It makes my skintone look more even and Continue reading →

Sunscreen Review Part III: Japanese/Korean Chemical Sunscreens

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**Updated on 8/14/2018 to include a review of Isehan Kiss Me Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence Sunscreen Gel Spf 50.

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This should be my final “off topic” post (i.e., not about pH levels of products).

I decided to try a few Japanese and Korean chemical sunscreens because they include sun filters that aren’t FDA approved. They are, however, approved in many other countries and much better than what we have in the USA. Also, they offer great UVA 1 and UVA 2 protection.

I chose Asian sunscreens because I wanted to avoid Oxybenzone but it also seems to be one of the few chemical sunscreens that provides UVA 2 protection. And I also want to avoid octocrylene but it seems to be necessary to stabilize the very common chemical sunscreen Avobenzone. The Asian sunscreens have tinosorb and uvinul as their filters.

I applied the Asian sunscreens in the same way as I applied the physical (mineral) sunscreens I reviewed (Part I & Part II). Meaning, on top of serums, moisturizer, and eye cream. As a reminder, my skin is combination and I really find my cheeks dehydrated. My skin is tan and I’m a 2Y08 or 3Y07 using Sephora’s color IQ system. Also, I avoid products with coconut oil/caprylic capric trygrlycerides so there might be better sunscreens out there, I just can’t use them.

Sunscreen Reviews (in no particular order)

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Sunscreen Review Part II: Skinceuticals, Farmacy, Glossier, Dr Jart, Darphin

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This is part II of my review of (mostly) physical sunscreens. You can find Part I, here. As a reminder, I’m tan and a 2Y08 or 3Y07 using Sephora’s Color IQ system. I also wear sunscreen on top of moisturizer, several serums and eye cream. My skin is combination with oily t zone and dehydrated cheeks. I rarely wear foundation on top of sunscreen.
I also don’t/can’t use products with coconut oil or capric/caprylic triglycerides (i.e., fractionated coconut oil). So there are likely some other mineral sunscreens out there that are wonderful but I can’t use them.
[Note: I’ve also reviewed some Japanese and Korean sunscreens that use chemical filters.]
Sunscreen Reviews (in no particular order)
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Sunscreen Review Part 1: make p:rem, Murad, Tatcha, Hydropeptide

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I’m writing another sunscreen post because I’ve struggled to find something that works for me for a long time. I’m tan and find that a lot of times the tint (or whiteness) of sunscreen doesn’t work for me. I also have skin that is on the drier side.

Why this review?

For years I used chemical sunscreens and then a couple of years ago I became worried about the health effects of using them. I tried to switch to mineral sunscreens (i.e., zinc and titanium dioxide) but just couldn’t find any that worked well. Also, at the time I was convinced I had to avoid all products with silicones because silicones were giving me milia. I’ve now learned I’m okay with silicones but still try to avoid using too many.

Fast forward to about a year ago and I found Hydropeptide’s SPF. But being that I always think there is something better, I decided to try some others. Also, the hydropeptide SPF is quite expensive.  I often wanted to save it for special occasions since it works great under my foundation.

A reminder, this is my skin color. I’m a 2Y08 or a 3Y07 using Sephora’s color IQ system.

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First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser Review

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I tried the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser many years ago but didn’t write a review. A lot of folks that visit this blog are interested in this cleanser so thought I should try it again. It is a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser with a whipped, creamy texture and it lathers nicely.

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Mia’s review: I like the First Aid Beauty cleanser a lot. It is a great low pH cleanser. I’ve been using it for just over a month now. I like the whipped texture and the Continue reading →

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner Review

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I’ve been using the Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner for about five years. In general, I’m a fan of Davines products as you can see from this review, and this review, and this review. But this is the conditioner that I always go back to after trying something else.

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Mia’s review: I love the smell and the color of the Davines Love Conditioner! The smell is kinda flower-y and perfume-y but not overpowering at all. I would be okay with it having an even stronger smell.

I also like that it Continue reading →