BIODERMA Sensibio AR Anti-Redness Cream *****

I haven’t used this product in a couple of years but the results still stick in my head. Actually the fact that I haven’t used this product in a couple years is probably WHY the results stick in my head. BIODERMA‘s Senibio line is formulated for the most sensitive skin and this particular product is targeted to those experiencing irritation and redness in the face. I wasn’t particularly happy with the texture – a thick cream – but what was I to expect for a product specifically for red sensitive skin?

Sensibio AR uses the Rosactiv Patent, a brand formulation to sooth skin and train flaring capillaries to calm down. At the time, I was experiencing quite a bit of redness in a band over my nose, particularly developing Rosacea, which runs in my family. I was told by the rep that if I was unhappy with this cream she would reimburse me fully, and after I emptied the bottle, I had no reason to return. Since using this product, I have gone two years without the noticeable redness and flaring blood vessels. I am not saying that every person will receive results as quickly and effectively as I did, but I would highly recommend this product to anyone experiencing chronic redness in their face.
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Paraben Free
Fragrance Free
Texture: Thick Cream

40 ml
Product of FRANCE

* Recommended for sensitive skin
* Effective with long lasting results
* Easy and quick to use
* Worth every penny
* Not targeted for prestige

Recommended Use:

Apply once or twice a day after cleansing skin.

ETIVAL LABORATOIRE Ener-C Moisturizing Lotion

I studied the product a couple years ago and decided to give it a try when I spotted it on special. It is very comparable to VICHY’s Aqualia Antiox Moisturizer, my current choice product. They are both packed with vitamin C and produced by dermotologist recommended companies. After trying both, I would stick the the claim of them being very similar, but recommend each to a different consumers. This particular product I would say is great for those with drier skin, as it is a thicker cream. It also boasts a protection of SPF 30, for those looking to combine products.

Personally, I will stick the the lotion produced by VICHY. It is a fluid texture, allowing quick absorption, and I notice a larger increase in radiance from this product versus the cream above.

Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Paraben Free
SPF 30
Texture: Cream
50 ml
Product of CANADA

1/2 Great for all skin types, except those experiencing sensitivity to vitamin C or oranges
1/2 Decent in all categories of effectiveness
* Easy to use, quick application
* Fairly priced and regularly with promotion
1/2 Not targeted to prestige, but fair use

Recommended Use:

Apply to face and neck, avoiding eye area, after cleansing and/or toning the skin. Can be worn alone or under make up. Allow for 1 to 2 minutes for absorption before applying following products.

REVLON PhotoReady Liquid Foundation **1/2

The hype for this PhotoReady line was pretty big when it first came out. It was marketed as the cross over from “off the wall” (the peg wall in a cosmetics department) and “professional” (industry directed brands) products, hitting the begging of the “make up artist fad”. The packaging is slick blacks with complimentary text – very reminiscent of Smashbox, a hailing studio brand.

I gave this product a shot with an unbiased eye – and just confirmed my thoughts on never buying foundation “off the wall”. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t COMPLETELY horrible, but I didn’t enjoy it either. However, if you are on a STRICT budget, and had no choice but to purchase off the wall, this would be the one foundation I would recommend to you.

The application was like any liquid foundation, but I did find this one particularly….. slippery? The product is listed as oil free, but there is still a noticeable slickness when applying. This is something I would expect from a product requiring a setting powder, but I do remember the Revlon trainer saying that second step was unnecessary for their products.

Despite the slip, it did live up to it’s claim of complete coverage. I was particularly impressed with the amount of coverage coming from this product, although it was not worth the trade of consistently feeling oily throughout the day. I also noticed product transfer whenever somthing touched my face (my cellphone took a particular hit).
SPF # 20
Oil Free
Fragrance Free
Texture: Liquid
30 ml / 1 floz.

* No issues with sensitivity
1/2 Decent coverage, consistent product transfer
1/2 Easy to use, greasy texture
1/2 Regularly on special, priced very close to product worth their claims
No prestige factor

VICHY NORMADERM Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate **1/2

This product claims it will reduce an imperfection within 8 hours and have it cleared up in 24. I am not so sure just how accurate this is, or perhaps I just have very stubborn blemishes.

The cream comes out with a slight tint of green, supposedly to instantly reduce redness, but there wasn’t much change once applied. The texture was a thicker cream, allowing it to coat the effected area, but hindering it from soaking right into the skin. I tend to be someone who hates things on my face, not to mention the complications this has with wearing any type of make up or the chance of it being visible during your daily life. Having a product sit on the skin reduces my allowed user time to just before bedtime.  The product did however live up to it’s claims of hypoallergenic use. I have very sensitive skin and noticed no irritation at all from use with this product.

I am quite often asked which is better, VICHY or La Roche-Posay, La Roche or VICHY? In this instance – I am very eager to try the targeted concentrate from La Roche. I have heard good things and have higher hopes.

Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Oil Free
Texture: Cream
15 ml
Product of FRANCE

* No issues with sensitivity
1/2 Somewhat effective
1/2 Easy to use but restricted application time
1/2 Regularly on promotion, but not worth the full price
No prestige factor

Recommended Use:

LOTUS Cream to Power Blush, Rose ****1/2

I’ve got a cooler toned complexion, so anything rosy and pink suits me best. It helps me look more awake and lively, and brings out my eyes a little more. So when I was asked to try this blush I jumped at it. It’s a pretty pink and perfect for a winter complexion…no matter what the season! But even more perfect since these chilly and rainy temperatures are preventing any sunlight from hitting this skin of mine.

Usually cream to powder blushes I’m pretty skeptical of, I’m not a fan most times. I usually feel like there is a greasy film of some sort still left on my cheeks and face. So I usually use them once and end up throwing it out and hunting for something new. THIS is NOT the case with this blush! After I applied it I never would have thought that it was originally a cream.

My only hesitation was that, well, I didn’t really know how to apply it properly…so I used my finger to dab it on and blend it in the end. I’m sure all you makeup artists are cringing right now…but, regardless it still worked well and went on just fine. So that’s a plus for all us amateurs out there!!

Here’s what the website says about the blush!

Cream To Powder Blush is made with all natural ingredients, applies like a soft cream but finishes like a silky powder. Antioxidant-rich botanicals help moisturize the skin, while natural pigments provide long-lasting color for a healthy, radiant glow. Cream to powder blush offers a sheer finish.

Creme to Powder Blush Ingredients: (I won’t lie, I don’t know what most of these things are)

•     · Mica (CI 77019),
•     · Silica (Amorphous),
•     · Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract,
•     · Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract,
•     · Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract,
•     · Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract,
•     · Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract.
•     · May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007)].

$20 for all four and a lovely compact!

Rating Breakdown:

Sensitivity – full star, no sensitivity
Efectiveness – full star, great colour application
Procedure – 1/2 star, I wasn’t sure how to apply it, so I used my finger….
Bang for your Buck – full star, I found it on the lotus website for $20
Prestige factor – full star, works nicely and doesn’t feel caked on and goes from cream to powder.

Recommended Use:
Whenever you want a rosy glow.

LOTUS PURE ORGANICS Pressed Powder Foundation ***1/2

Lotus pressed powder foundation is amazing, certified organic, and it is easy to use. I was not a fan of powder form foundations before using this product, I found them cakey and fake looking or they would not provide me with enough coverage to correct my skin. This pressed powder is a treat to use considering I couldn’t feel it on my skin and it was very easy to layer and blend with my Kabuki brush.I also found that it provided me with a beautiful base for my blush and made it even easier to blend. This product made my work on-set a breeze when I needed to quickly correct oiliness and shine. My friends and co-workers are constantly asking me if I am wearing makeup or I just have perfect skin since the foundation is seamless and light. I have extremely sensitive skin and have broken out in eczema after using many products, but my skin was clear even after accidentally sleeping with this on.

This Pressed Mineral Foundation SPF 20 provides sheer coverage for a soft, natural finish. With all the same skincare benefits of their Loose Foundation pressed in an elegant compact for added convenience.

Micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection-SPF 20.
No bismuth oxychloride or any other heavy metals.
Contains zinc oxide, which is known for its calming effect on irritated skin.
Free of talc, perfumes, dyes and chemical preservatives.
Compact formula makes it portable, perfect to take with you on the go.
Hypoallergenic
Scent: None
Texture: Light

*No sensitivity issues
*Fast and easy to use
1/2 Decent price, but rarely on special
*Nice texture for any skin type, great for oily skin

Recommended Use:

This product is easy to apply with a Kabuki brush or another tightly packed large firm brush. Simply brush on over T-zone and other desired correcting areas. Layer if you are wanting more coverage.

COVER FX Setting FX Translucent Loose Mineral Powder *****

Praise for this product and line are endless. Cover FX Translucent Loose Mineral Powder is the setting powder every make up artist needs in their kits and every lady or gent needs for personal use. This fine milled powder sets cream and liquid foundation for extended wear and prevents color transfer. A modest price is attached to this great product, one jar will last you a years worth of personal use.  While labeled “translucent”, this product also comes in “dark”, which was tailored by requests for darker skin tones worried about using white powder, but one of the great things about this product is that ANY skin tone can use the “white” shade. Veering off the beaten path, Cover FX Setting FX contains no talc (this is what gives powders that whitish look when put on any more than bare minimum), giving consumers the freedom to use one shade on all tones and not worry about whiting out yourself or client.

Cover FX is a Canadian line specializing in foundation and coverage for problem skin. The brand was spawned from Lee Graff’s vision on making corrective make up accessible to all people with all needs and sensitivities. Teaming up with Chemical engineer Jenny Frankel, and leading dermatologist Dr. Neil Shear, Cover FX began to come to life. Products concentrating on creating the perfect  complexion on any person, Cover FX specializes in coverage for severe acne, scarring, hyper-pigmentation (birthmarks), and uneven skin tone. Starting out in a Toronto hospital, you can now find these products in Canada exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and certain other locations in the US.

Hypoallergenic
Paraben Free
Oil Free
Scent Free
Powder Texture
13g / 0.43oz.
Product of Canada

* Made for sensitive skin
* Very effective
* Easy to use
* Great price, long lasting
* All the other benefits make this almost seen prestige for sensitive skin

Recommended Use:

1. Cleanse face and moisturize
2. Apply concealer &/or foundation as usual
3. Apply Setting FX with powder brush or puff

SMASHBOX Photo Finish Primer ****1/4

A great product for professionals or a beginner. Smashbox primer comes in five variations of it’s self – regular, Light, Blend, Adjust, and Balance. (Illuminating primer will be reviewed on its own.) Each type maintains the velvety touch and contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins A & E, and soothing botanicals like orchid complex, aloe, and lemongrass. The square airless pump locks in freshness and the product smooths on to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores while maintaining a velvety touch, creating a great base for foundation.

This is a great product on it’s own, but add the changing details and it’s even harder not to love. Although all of these primers are oil free, the “Light” version is tailored even more towards oily skin, while the regular primer is recommended for normal to dry skin. The regular primer is also safe to use on the eye as the professionals at Smashbox know the ever changing needs or MUA, and that we tend to break rules more than we should.

The tinted primers are of the same consistency as the regular primer, while the colors are set to help correct prominent undertones in the skin. Uneven skin or too much pink or yellow in the face can be bothersome, and while there are many color correcting products out there, this is probably one of the easiest to use and gives good results.

“Blend” is apricot-toned, best suited for people experiencing uneven skin tone, the primer works to blend dark spots  and discoloration.

“Adjust”  is the green-toned primer, targeted towards neutralizing redness. Pink undertones are more prominent in paler skin, but also noticeable in some tan to darker tones. This is the “redness” one sees in light tones, and the muddy orange in over tanned skin. I highly recommend Smashbox Adjust to anyone with this personally, or any make up professional.

“Balance” is lavender-toned to brighten dull or sallow skin. Violet is a complimentary color to yellow – if there is too much yellow in one’s face, use this as a primer to neutralize yellow/orange undertones. This is common with Asian and East Indian skin, as well as occurring in olive tones such as Italian and Greek.

Paraben Free
Oil Free
Scent Free
Gel Texture
1 fl. oz./30 ml
Product of USA

* Sensitive skin friendly
3/4 Good results
* Fast and easy to use
* Good price range, product outlasts most others in same size
1/2 Nice texture, no frills

Recommended Use:

1. Cleanse face and moisturize
2. Apply one drop to entire face
3. Apply make up as usual

BIODERMA Sébium Pore Refiner ***

This lotion is a newer product brought into Canada from French skin care line Bioderma. Using exclusive patented Fluidactiv^® complex, this corrective concentrate states it will tighten dilated pores and refine skin texture. The texture is light, almost a serum, and there is relatively no scent. Being that this product is from Bioderma, I had no problem with sensitivities at all. I used this product to the last drop, but did not notice the changes I was hoping for. I can’t put down the product completely, it may work better on some as my pores aren’t very large to begin with.

Bioderma is a dermatological line from France. They proudly produce great products and maintain an awareness of sensitive skin. There are many molecule patents under this line and the science to back up their products. You won’t find much of this in Canada, but what you can is still great to get your hands on!

Hypoallergenic
Scent: None
Texture: Light
Size: 30 ml
Country of origin: France

*No sensitivity issues
*Fast and easy to use
1/2 Decent price, but rarely on special
1/2 Nice texture for any skin type

Recommended Use: Morning

1. Cleanse face and apply toner
2. Apply a pea sized amount all over face or locally on the T-zone
3. Follow with daily moisturizer

BIODERMA Sebium Purifying Foaming Gel ***3/4

This is one of the top three acne washes I recommend to people. What I really like about this product, and what it has above many others, is that it is effective while not being too harsh for sensitive skin. Another really great thing about this product is that it can double as a body wash. Lather up with this in the shower to target body acne or oily pores.

Bioderma is a dermatological line from France. They proudly produce great products and maintain an awareness of sensitive skin. There are many molecule patents under this line and the science to back up their products. You won’t find much of this in Canada, but what you can is still great to get your hands on!

Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Scent: None
Texture: Gel
Size: 200 ml
Country of origin: France

*Great on sensitive skin, face and body
*Easy to use, low maintenance
*Good price range
3/4Works great on most people, but can loose a little steam when dealing with stubborn acne

Recommended Use:

1. Dampen face with warm water
2. Pump small amount of face wash into tips of fingers
3. Apply to face and neck in circular motions
4. Rinse thoroughly

Avoid eye contact
Repeat morning and night