3LAB ‘M’ CREAM ULTIMATE LIFT
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: October 13, 2009
PRICE: $250 for 2 oz. (heavy glass jar with spatula)
AVAILABLE AT: Cosmetic World Website
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: “The first cosmetic product that contains stem cells from the rare Uttweiler Spatlauber Swiss apple, so rare that only three trees remain in existence! This luxury skin de-stressing cream works to increase resiliency and cellular turnover while giving the skin a naturally radiant glow from the inside out.
“M” Cream hydrates and firms the skin with Nano-Claire GY, the world’s first bioengineered growth hormone. PhytoCelTecTM Malus Domestica, stem cells from a rare Swiss Apple that have been proven to slow down and delay the aging process. Happybelle, a plant-based beta endorphin, stimulates key enzymes in the receptor system helping to relieve skin aggressors and bring out natural radiance while fighting the root causes of environmental damage and also contains Osilift which immediately firms the skin and relaxes muscle contractions.”
PRODUCT REVIEW (10/13/09): At $250, you are allowed to expect a lot from a cream. All the fancy foo-foo ingredients aside, this gel-cream treatment moisturizer is almost worth its price. I’m not a fan of the gel-cream texture. It leaves a film (like most gel-creams) and doesn’t quite moisturize enough. That said, “M” doesn’t make me break out or rash. My skin does look healthier, have a bit more life and feels firmer. I use the Glow Serum and Cleansing Gel with it, so I’m not sure what it would do on its own. I will update when I start using it more consistently.
The BIG Cut ~ An Experience at J Salon in Honolulu
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: October 13, 2009
Prelude to a Cut
I hate getting my hair cut.
Okay, hate is a strong word…loathe is better.
My hair goes against every belief that Asian women have nice hair. In fact, with the Japanese straight perms, Korean perms, flat irons and bottles of smoothing serums ~ I’m pretty sure most Asian women don’t have naturally nice hair. Mine is no different I suppose ~ bushy, sort-of-curly-but-not-in-a-good-way, dry, over colored…a follicle nightmare. Unfortunately, most of my salon experiences have ended up in a too dark, too short (I really don’t recommend getting your hair cut by someone who looks out the window while doing so…bad. Bad bad.), or just plain BORING ~ which is worse.
Granted, I’ve had some good experiences too. I really liked one stylist at Raiz Salon in Ward. She was funky and gave me an awesome (I mean AWESOME) cut…the kind that styles itself and looks super cute. Then she moved…to California. Curses. Story of my life.
The last hair cut I had was in November 2008 by a popular Japanese hair stylist. It was cute…I will say its grown out well, but it wasn’t enough to make me commit to him.
So 11 months, 1 baby and 30 extra pounds later, I’m ready to shave my own head. My hair has reached its maximum allowable irritation level. Its long (for me, which is about mid back), bushy (like crazy lady bushy – it has the ability to make my 7 year old laugh) and dry. I use everything from top of the line shampoo (I mean $140 shampoo!), deep conditioners and at least 3 styling products on a regular basis and end up with (ta da!)…a bun. A cute messy bun, but still…a bun.
I’ve been psyching myself out to get a cut for the last three weeks since my hair decided to have a life of its own. I also know its going to start falling out soon (from having baby). Initially I was trying to make my appointment at Paul Brown ~ but since they couldn’t accommodate me at the salon close to home, I decided to do a little research and go somewhere cool in town. Then I remembered J Salon. I had met a few of the stylist when I worked at the Shu Uemura counter at Neiman Marcus. I looked it up, it was voted best salon in Honolulu in Elle Magazine (June 2009). The receptionist was super friendly (not fake polite…but friendly) ~ J(oe) had an opening this afternoon…I have a sitter…done deal.
Okay…now lets see what happens. 
The salon itself is really beautiful – in a very Asian way. Its super clean and minimalistic. The staff isn’t overly trendy, but approachable amidst the stoic decor. After getting my hair washed (always a pleasant experience) I received a conditioning treatment. I thought this should have been done after my cut…but I digress. Joe was cool. In a very artistic stylist sort of way.
Overall, I liked the cut. It was one of the better cuts I’ve had. However, it still hasn’t inspired me to do it on a regular basis. I think there should be an organic feel to hair ~ like a natural flow to its shape and texture. I really don’t like hair to look…well, cut. In all fairness, I’m also not one to fuss with my hair…I’m not going to blow dry or flat iron my hair into submission everyday, so the cut really needs to be able to stand on its own. I still came home and hacked off a bunch with my razor…but that doesn’t change my opinion about the salon.
Its impossible for me to say that it was or wasn’t worth the $100. The most important thing when finding a stylist is obviously not the amount it cost or the environment its done in. To find a stylist who understands the many nuances of your hair, lifestyle and image (despite what you appear to be ~ in my case, edgy rocker caught in a soccer Mom visage) is much like finding a soul mate. It really has nothing to do with whether the person is a good stylist…but whether they’re the right one for you. I’m sure many clients are over the moon for J Salon ~ I would recommend trying it. While you’re there, pick up some Shu Uemura hair products ~ they’re awesome.
Star Tip: I have to say that its also very important to go in with the right expectations, a voice and be able to express specifically what you’re looking for. The next time I get my hair cut (in another 6 months or so!) I’ll be more direct in what I want done.
Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: August 24, 2009
PHILIP B. RUSSIAN AMBER IMPERIAL SHAMPOO
PRICE: $140 for 12 oz. (Plastic tub with protective lid and spatula)
AVAILABLE AT: Philip B. Website
PRODUCT DETAILS: “We call this the Fountain of Youth for hair: Our reconstructing shampoo rejuvenates and revitalizes all hair types, giving even chemically-damaged strands a dramatically youthful look, feel and radiance from the first use. The power-packed formula truly heals on all fronts: Eleven life-giving L-Amino acids at active strengths repair hair on a cellular level — quickly restoring its body, bounce and shine. An extraordinarily high dose of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) coupled with a catalyst, Phytantriol, sinks moisture deep into every strand. An artful, Russian-inspired blend of of Chamomile, Grape Seed, Rosemary, Nettle, Burdock and Sage infuses hair with emollients for a healthy gleam-from-within. Protective Silk, Wheat and Soy Proteins increase elasticity and tensile strength. And Shea Butter imparts a finishing touch of weightless hydration for beautiful, long-lasting bounce and resilience. Equally decadent: The tantalizing scent of PHILIP B® Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo channels the opulence of the Romanov dynasty, when the healing and calming properties of Amber Oil were treasured by a privileged few. Treat your hair like royalty — the Imperial way!”
RATING: 9 out of 10
REVIEW (8/01/09): Lucky magazine is going to tempt me to the poor house. After reading Jean Godfrey-June’s raving review about this opulent hair wonder, I had to try a tub (although that seems a very inappropriate vessel for a $140 shampoo) for myself. If a respected beauty expert declares a product above all else in its category, especially in such a public manner, I for one stand up and pay attention. Partially out of respect, though mostly because I would never let the next big beauty discovery slip through my fingers!
PRELUDE: Lets start by saying that my hair is the perfect candidate for this shampoo. While I give it a break by rarely blow drying (I do that maybe 6x a year) my thick, slightly wavy hair is only privy to a bi-annual hair cut and boxes upon boxes of drug store color. Therefore it isn’t fried, but I’ve given up on trying to beat it into submission and live quite harmoniously with a messy bedhead ponytail.
THE EXPERIENCE: The fragrance of this product alone makes it worth its weight in gold (literally). Its a delicate, warm, amber-incense scent that would work very well with other perfumes…or fabulously on its own. Its texture on the other hand, is reminiscent of half dried rubber cement – which made it difficult to distribute through longer hair. I learned to distribute the product by rubbing a dollop in my hands and lightly rubbing my hair over and under before massaging into my scalp. Remember to let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing to get optimum results.
RESULTS: After my hair air dried, it was noticeably more alive. A bit shinier, a lot more cooperative and almost seemed to style itself. Now is it worth the crazy price tag? Well…I’m going to painfully say no. Although I will say that its the best shampoo I’ve ever used and will continue to do so. I appreciate the amount of botanicals used in this formulation and the fact that it doesn’t irritate my scalp or leave me feeling like I have to wash my hair every day (which I normally do). However, given how much women spend on cutting and coloring their hair, I see no reason NOT to splurge on this hair wonder to maintain and stretch time between salon visits. If you can skip one cut and color…then justifying this worthy purchase becomes easily justifiable.
Update (8/12/09): I’m completely addicted to this shampoo! Since I’ve been using Philip B. products my hair has been incredibly cooperative. Long gone are the unruly frizz, itchy scalp and lackluster locks. My hair is shiny (without using silicone or shine products!) and manageable – I’ve been able to throw my hair into a smooth pony tail without blow drying my hair first.
I also use the following products from Philip B. (but the Russian Amber really is the creme of the crop – no pun intended!):
Katira Hair Masque, Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo, Classic Formula Light Weight Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse, White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Creme, Lovin’ Leave-in Hair Conditioning Creme, Anti Frizz Formula 57, Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash
Update (10/15/09): I still really like this shampoo. My first jar is almost gone and I bought another one. Just the fact that I used it all the way to the bottom is amazing. However, I’m not sure its a wise investment. I would keep buying it if it was say, $50, but $140 is a big exorbitant for someone in my tax bracket. If you can afford it though…its marvelous.
Dr. Susan Taylor’s Rx for Brown Skin ~ Bright and Even Regimen Set
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: May 4, 2009
DR. SUSAN TAYLOR’S RX FOR BROWN SKIN ~ BRIGHT AND EVEN REGIMEN SET
PRICE: $55 ($75 value) The four-piece kit contains a 3oz. Bright & Even Exfoliating Cleanser, 3oz. Bright & Even Exfoliating Toner, 1oz. Bright & Even Exfoliating Moisturizer and 1.5oz. Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener. A sample of the Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum
AVAILABLE AT: Sephora, Rx for Brown Skin website
PRODUCT DETAILS: “The range of brightening products in this kit lift off dirt, debris and environmental pollutants to uncover radiant skin, even skintone and gently exfoliate to remove dead layers of skin without irritation. Special ingredients increase cell turnover to uncover skin’s radiance and add a beneficial layer of exfoliants and antioxidants to smooth skin’s texture, brighten skin, and help promote uniform skintone. The kit is ideal for those with mature skin or dull and uneven skintone.”
RATING: 7 out of 10
PRODUCT REVIEW (05/10/09) : Overall, I really like this set. Nothing completely stands out as a revolutionary product, but there are components to Dr. Taylor’s approach that I appreciate.
The cleanser is a fairly gentle AHA cleanser that foams nicely, although the directions and texture (a bit runny) do not indicate that it will do so. Some consumers used it as more of a milky cleanser, which I can imagine would not be effective. Since I have more sensitive skin, I use it at night after removing makeup. Please don’t use this in your eye area, as a general rule, AHA products (as well as most facial washes) are too harsh for the eye area and can cause irritation and dryness. Also, if you aren’t already using an AHA product, there may be a little dryness, redness or flaking. After all, that’s what AHAs are supposed to do ~ exfoliate.
The toner is okay…nothing special. It comes in a pump bottle which is nice, but I’m not big on toners. I normally just wait a while after cleansing before applying my treatments. However, for a toner, this one is mild and alcohol free which is great. It does have AHAs also, so I recommend starting off using just the cleanser alone, once a day and start adding more frequency and products slowly for the best result.
The moisturizer ~ I didn’t like at all. After my skin didn’t have any adverse reaction to the cleanser, toner or serums, I added this and I broke out badly and got a rash. Its the silicone that does that to my skin, so if you don’t have a sensitivity to silicone you might be okay…but there are other options that compliment the system better, IMO. It was lightweight and absorbed nicely.
The Botanical Brightener is a very nice product if you are looking to gently brighten the skin without hydroquinone. This is also a full sized product in the kit which is great. Rx uses a combination of soy, hyaluronic acid and pomegranate to even skin tone, along with black tea and some other herbal ingredients. I haven’t had any irritation from this, although I haven’t seen any dramatic improvement (I’ll update in a few weeks~don’t expect miracles when you’re trying to erase discoloration…) my spots haven’t gotten any darker and its something I can use while I’m pregnant. Its more like a light moisturizer texture vs. a serum and I use it alone at night.
I did purchase the full size Radiance Serum after trying the sample. This product is great as a pick me up ~ but its important to use it properly. Never use a manual exfoliator or scrub before using this product. Its also recommended to be used only 2-3 times a week, but since my skin is sensitive, I use it 1-2 times on days when my skin is not showing any signs of irritation. It doesn’t burn or make me itch (again, I wait at least an hour after cleansing before applying active products ~ this has really reduced the amount of irritation to my skin). It isn’t heavy or sticky and really gives an eveness and glow to the skin quickly without over exfoliating or irritation. I’m normally not successful with products of this sort, so I’m happy to have found this.
Edit (09/10/09): I gave up on using these products…although I have to say that I am very fickle and change products often. Overall, its a good line for someone who wants to maintain their healthy skin, are sensitive to aggressive products or who have minor skin issues. Those with more advanced skin “challenges” may find the products too gentle. My suggestion to Dr. Susan Taylor is to add more sophistication to the packaging or to make it more clinical. The middle of the road packaging does not lead toward confidence in the product like it should.
Aveeno Moisturizing Bar
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: April 10, 2009
AVEENO MOISTURIZING BAR
PRICE: $3.49 (Bar)
AVAILABLE AT: Drug stores, online
PRODUCT DETAILS: “Fragrance free. Dermatologist recommended. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar for Dry Skin looks and feels different because it contains oatmeal to cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin. The unique soap-free formula blends powder-fine oatmeal, nature’s own gentle cleanser, with a skin-softening moisturizer. The natural oatmeal absorbs dirt and oil then gently rinses away, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. The Aveeno Moisturizing Bar is fragrance free and dye free, so it is gentle enough for even sensitive skin. The Aveeno Brand has been dermatologist recommended for more than 60 years.”
RATING: 9.5 out of 10
PRODUCT REVIEW (04/10/09): For me, when it comes to face washes, form does not always follow function. I love fancy face washes…with a pretty bottle, luxurious texture and scent. Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for my wallet) I have come to terms that the cheap stuff without the bells and whistles work best for me.
My pregnancy skin has been my normal skin ramped up a few notches. Its oily with a dry surface, prone to breakouts, rash and redness. In a desperate attempt for relief after a weekend of sunscreen (I’m allergic…) I bought a bar of this cheap soap because Aveeno products works wonders for my daughter’s eczema prone skin.
It is not a pretty bar…it doesn’t foam a lot…it doesn’t smell good (smells like plain oats). But in a few days my skin is as close to normal as it gets. I use this only at night in the shower because the lather is minimal and hard to use at the sink without getting white spots on my clothes. Cetaphil bar soap is my cleanser of choice in the AM. It isn’t glamorous, but it works. Sometimes just being pretty isn’t enough…a lesson you learn as you get older and realize what’s important. My skin is calm, clear and comfortable once again.
Note: I did buy a pretty soap dish to put it in…old habits die hard I guess.
Edit (4/20/09) ~ I still love this soap…I did purchase the Rx for Brown Skin Bright and Even cleanser (it was part of a set) today to supplement this basic bar. The main benefit for me is that it doesn’t over strip my skin or irritate it in any way.
Edit (5/03.09) ~ Still love…switching this to my morning cleanser since its so gentle. I’m using the Clean & Clear Makeup Disolving Cleanser and the Rx for Brown Skin Bright and Even cleaner as my PM routine. The Aveeno will be a staple in my regime, even through our humid summer.
Edit (9/10/09) ~ While I frequently change facial care products, this will continue to be a regular product that I turn to in times of need. If I ever commit to a low budget skin care regime, this will be my cleanser of choice.
L’Occitane Ma Creme Nature
Posted by: Jenn's Alter Ego on: April 4, 2009
L’OCCITANE MA CREME NATURE
PRICE: $46 for 5.1 oz. / Refill: $34 for 5.1 oz.
PRODUCT DETAILS: “Certified organic by ECOCERT, Ma Crème Nature is a moisturizing cream that you can prepare at home and keep in your refrigerator. Its quick and easy-to-prepare formula, with organic olive tree extracts, brings your skin nothing but the essential ingredients it needs to stay lastingly moisturized, and glowing with health. It allows skin to recuperate from daily over-stimulation, leaving it revived and more receptive to your regular routine with a soft and gentle touch. Can be used daily on face and body.”
RATING: 7 out of 10
PRODUCT REVIEW (04/04/09): This mix-it-yourself face/body cream is the first product that has even tickled my fancy in quite some time. Since I am 5 months pregnant, I was in search of a new body cream that was preferably organic and did not contain any fancy ingredients (it’s amazing how many things are taboo when you’re expecting).
As I was passing the L’Occitane boutique in Ala Moana Shopping Center (Honolulu, Hawaii) I was drawn in by their pretty window display featuring Ma Crème Nature. The product specialist (Laura) who was working there was extremely pleasant and took out a nice fresh tester from their fridge for me to try. I have to say that after working in cosmetics for over 10 years, I wasn’t overly impressed with the overall texture of this cream…but the concept was what sold me. I left the store to check out what Sephora had (my favorite shop) but walked back to L’Occitane and purchased this cream.
I mixed it as soon as I got home…its easy (see demo here), but like microwave mac and cheese ~ if you don’t follow directions it just won’t work. I wish I used better water ~ maybe Voss water would work well, because the mixture I made with standard bottled water was not the same consistency as the product I used in the store. Mixing it more thoroughly and slowly might have also made a difference.
Anyway, I slathered it on after taking a shower and while it felt a little grainy, it left my skin very moisturized. Its a little sticky ~ which I expected from a product without all the usual chemical ingredients that create a more pleasant texture. I’ll update this review in a few days and let you know how it goes!
Update: 04/07/09
The first night I tried Ma Creme, I used it right out of the shower. I felt “sweaty” all night. I actually got up and wiped my self down with a wet paper towel. Yuck. I tried again the following night on dry skin and that worked much better. It might be better in the winter or in drier climates. My skin has been very calm and hasn’t broken out. I’m going to use it for the whole 4 weeks and see what happens.
Update: 05/25/09
While a very nice product and effective for sensitive/dry skins, the huge tub of product was just a waste. If it were a smaller tub, for less, that would make more sense to me. I slathered it on, but was still left with a significant (at least half) amount of product. Overall, this is a wonderful product that I am likely to purchase again.
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