Here are several Vitamin C products that I like a lot:
My faves
Awake

I like the fact that you use only as much as you wish, and it liquifies in your hand as the warm of your fingers touches it.

Lancome
Sensation Totale, which has been discontinued. I love the feel of this. It makes your skin silky. I don't know anything about the product they say is replacing it -- and it makes no mention of vitamin C.

Estee Lauder
Perfectionist Cp+ is a great product and feels terrific on the skin. It is supposed to build collagen within two hours. I don't know that it contains vitamin C but the "C" is in the name. Every time you walk through a store, put some from their tester on the back of your hands. If it works that fast on your hands, it must work on your face.

Beauticontrol has three C products. I have not tried these because I have the others, but I have several beauticontrol products that I love, and I would think these would be excellent.

Aromaleigh
I have tried 25% Vitamin C Serum- I like it a lot. I will likely begin to try the other products too.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

My second choice category

Olay
Olay Regenerist and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation both have Vitamin C. In general, I like Olay products. I'm not sure they are as heavy duty as the Awake one.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C
Mary Kay has come out with a C serum product in 2009. They were late to the party.

Give collagen a boost.* Help skin bounce back.

With TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C, skin will appear lifted and firmed. This antioxidant-rich serum is formulated with ingredients that enhance the production of new collagen and help keep existing collagen from breaking down. It also contains ingredients known to support elastin. The formula is enriched with a potent blend of multiple botanical sources, known for their high levels of vitamin C.

The four weekly vials help maximize product freshness and provide an effective weekly application measurement to help you get the best results for your money. MaryKay.com

I don't see or feel as much difference when I use this as I do with the Estee Lauder. However, you can see how dramatic the above picture makes it look. This is a customer's unretouched photo, not the company's. I continue to use the product on my neck -- truthfully, I had not used a serum C on my neck before. I see a difference. I wish it were as dramatic, but then again, my before look is more youthful.

Avon
I did not care for the Avon one I tried a number of years ago. It was gold colored and sort of sticky. I don't know if they still make it. It's possible they have reformulated it. You can't go wrong with their product guarantee.

I have not tried these
Lumene, which is available from CVS, also has a C line, day and night creams, eye cream and serum. I've not tried that line either.

Prescriptives also has a line of C products, but I have not tried them.

Do you use a C serum?
What is your favorite?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-29 07:41:39.

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I've wanted to use Aromaleigh's Torment for a few days now. It is such a gorgeous color. Melissa wears it extremely well. So does Phyrra. I love it! Somehow red seemed fitting for Good Friday. It was my private reminder.

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost
Lids: Meow ScandalEyes Nicole S.
Crease: AL Basil (a green-brown)
Lids: AL Torment
Lined MAC blackgraph, top and lower, then outside the lower with MAC earthline
Drylined on top with more Torment
Mascara: CoverGirl Black

This shows the eye color really well:

Primer: Stila

Foundation: Signature Club A, too dark, so I was trying the Stila with it; it works well.
Rouge and Blush (under and over powder) Beauté liqui-gel stain Harlot -- such a pretty flush to the skin
Powder: my sparkly mix, followed by BE mineral veil as bronzer

Lips: Love this color!
Isn't this a great color!
Beauté Urge (a red) rimmed with Beauté Paramour (and in the center)
This is what I had hoped the MAC would look like yesterday, but it was too pink.

What do you think of my look?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-10 22:23:00.

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Mega Moisturizing C Mousse Cleanser $25.50
This is a cleanser that is in my rotation. I like it a lot. I keep it in the shower. It is moisturizing, doesn't leave a film.

My take:
I give it a 5.

~~~~~~~

Meltdown cleansing creams
I can't tell you how nice these are. They smell wonderful, are not the least bit greasy, leave your skin soft and moisturized but no residue -- no residue is a must for me. I have only tried two scents. It also comes in melon, lemon zest, mandarin orange, and peaches now, but I've not tried them. Judging from the ones I've tried, you'd likely like the scent and the delivery. I give them a 5+++
French Vanilla
This is a true vanilla, not funny smelling, just delightful.

Coconut $18
If you like coconut, you will love, love, love this one. It smells great!

She makes other cleansers, but I've not tried them.

Have you tried any of these? Have you tried any other of her cleansers?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-05 21:12:40.

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Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.

Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.

This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.

Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.

Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it's possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)

Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can't beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.

Here's a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.

Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won't be without the lifting or the whitening.

Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy -- and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn't notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.

Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30's, 40's, and 50's skin. I've liked Regeneration Gold for years. It's a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I've not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.

Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.

Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I'm not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.

On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.

Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I'm not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I'm not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.

Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.

Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It's a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com

Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin's natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00

La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.

Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

Viviane Woodard
I've used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.

Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It's not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.

What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-28 20:49:42.

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Lips:
base: SCA hyaluronic pen
Guerlain 08 lined with Guerlain Rose Indien pencil

I find I'm really enjoying the SCA hyaluronic plumping pen. I should have been using it for months -- that's how long I've had it since a friend gave it to me.

It has a lovely shimmer -- not frost -- to it. I suspect it is that look that makes lips seem plumper. I don't notice plumping particularly, and there isn't any sensation of sting.

Applied first, you let it dry (which is a misnomer because it isn't drying.) Then apply whatever lip product you want on top -- with this shimmer coming through to some degree.

Afterwards I applied the lip pencil around the rim of my lips and feathered it inside a bit.

Interestingly enough I've found several articles that mention if you want to look older, apply lip pencil heavily. If you want a younger look, be careful how much lip pencil you use and how you apply it. I've found that out simply by what look I prefer on myself.

As I said, against my better judgment, I bought this lip pencil -- I have way too many pencils, especially if I no longer use them like I once did.

OTOH, I thought this looked really nice. So perhaps it is time to break out the pencils again and update my looks with them. Stay tuned!

Do you use lip pencils?
They can be used to change the color of a lipstick, to define your lips (change the shape if necessary), or to contrast (which is my least favorite look -- I try never to do that.)

Karin

Originally posted 2009-07-21 07:41:12.

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Another 5 minute makeup. I debated about using mineral makeup, but I didn't feel like fooling with it because it takes me longer to get it to look right. I think I'll experiment sometime next week again.

You can see how good my skin is looking with Arbonne here.

Eyes: Chanel Ireels quad, using the new eye shape. I used a touch of the bright pink shadow from Chanel Ors Violines quad. I lined top and lower with a bent eyeliner brush and Venomous gel liner.

Lips: SCA Hyaluronic lip plumping pen + Guerlain Kiss Kiss Coffret a jouer Color play lip palette (gwp). This palette is very interesting! The holder looks like an old fashioned cigarette holder. The end (where the cig would be) has the choice of 3 different color crayon-type applicators. They are encased in soft plastic except for the tip. The end is flat like a cig, but there is a sharpener which would give it a point (and lose product). There is a single shade of top coat gloss to apply over the top -- looks white/clear with orchid-blue micro glitters. It is very pretty on. Today I used the nude pink crayon. There is also a browner crayon and one that is deeper pink-red. Fun to try and the price is right!

It comes in a heavy cardboard case with a large mirror.

I hope you're having a good day!

What do you think?

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, just ask.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-07-18 20:28:31.

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Eyes: Arbonne colors the same as the first day I used them, just in different placement with different lids
Base: Nude Frost
Lids: AL sunny disposition, eye plush -- the eye plush colors are lovely soft colors with minimal sparkle, very easy to apply and work great for an easy base to apply around to make darker colors go on perfectly
Outer corners: AL dollhouse, eye plush
Crease: Arbonne green -- great color, strong medium tone green, not too yellow
Drylined top and lower: Arbonne purple, again, a great strong medium tone
Concealer Signature Club A
Wetlined lower and Tightlined upper: Clarins Midnight Flash -- wish I could still get another one of these!
Brows: La Prairie Pencil

e

Undereye area using Arbonne
I think it looks very good. This is the better of my two eyes normally. My other eye is lookin' good too.

Lips:
NYX Twig + Too Faced Mermaid, smooshed

Then I ran around all day. But it was amazing the amount I got done. Sorta. Kinda. My kids are fresh out of school for the summer -- and we're gonna have to figure out how to get it all done more easily, with less stress on the mom. It's got to be vacation for me too -- ya think?

How do you like these colors?

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, go here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-29 19:08:39.

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Signature Club A, Adrien Arpel's line sold on HSN, is hit or miss. She has some great products; some I don't think do much at all.

She is a consummate showwoman and fun to watch, at least for a while.

I have a friend who gifts me with many of her products. The colors that come in sets are generally too dark for me.

Yesterday's rouge color is a case in point. The color is more like a bronzer for me than a cheek color. Maybe I'll try it like that tomorrow. And the foundation is way, way dark -- the last time I used it, I mixed it with pure white and it worked.

It is, however, a fill product, and that aspect of it works.

More in following posts.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-05 20:37:02.

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Here are some other products I have tried:

Stick Solution: Over & Undereye Concealer and Brow Lifter $14.50
This is a good concealer. I like it. I rate it about a 4.

Invisible Lipstick Lock Pencil
I've not tried this, but I'm sure it is good. $12.50

~~~~~~
I don't know how much either of these do, but I still like them.
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

~~~~~~~~

I have a couple of different moisturizers from her line. I like them. I'm not sure they are better or worse than moisturizers from other lines. She seems to have new technology.

And she looks very good for her age. I imagine she has done a whole lot more than her skin care line and products.

Some of the products I have I don't see mentioned this time around. They will likely come back.

Do you use SCA? Do you have a favorite product?
Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-05 21:32:24.

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Sometimes for me, thinking about what colors I want to go toward takes more time than the execution. I knew I wanted to coordinate with the new pendants my artist daughter made for me for Mother's Day, so I knew I was aiming toward purples and gray.

But I started out thinking Aromaleigh -- then I thought, wait a minute, I've got Meow that I haven't worn for a while. So I started with Meow. I bought a lot of samples from Meow, but I don't think I bought a gray. It's hard to tell sometimes in the ziplock what color it will pull on the eye, so I need to mark the darker shades so I know, but I haven't done that yet.

I don't know the differences in the formula of Meow shadows (which is more frosty/glittery) so if someone knows, pls comment. I am going to put them in larger ziplocks by colors, as I have done with the AL, rather than keeping them by formula. I think I can just mix and match.

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost
Lids: Meow Lazy Purrl IdealEyes (this pulled bluer than I expected)
Crease: Meow Prowl ModernEyes
Dry lined top and lower: Jessica R ScandalEyes
Crease: AL Avalon Rocks! Sonic Eyes (soft, medium gray) to pop the crease more
Lids: Debbie L ScandalEyes -- to bring it more into the purples again
Tight lined top and wet lined lower: Venomous gel liner -- using back end of brush only -- BookGirl exclaimed that she just loved this color on me, that it really popped my eyes. It may look black in the photo (as it looked in the bathroom mirror) but in RL it is a sort of Periwinkle color.
Inner corners: Tanzanite gel liner -- this looks like a lighter version of Black Cherry.

Brows: Merle Norman powder
Mascara, top: Guerlain; lower: Tarte.
Concealer: Dior Skinflash

Sunscreen: La Prairie
Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: Chanel, discontinued
Rouge under and over powder: EL Pink Shimmer, cream
Powder: My sparkly mix, then SCA Hyaluronic with stiff Guerlain brush

Lips: NYX Lips Iced Lavender
As soon as I had it on one lip, I could tell Iced Lavender would be too dark for the rest of my face, if I had put it on alone, but I wanted to keep to the same color family. So...
+ Lancome Prodige (one on each lip, then smooshed)
rimmed with NYX Purple Rain Lipgloss with mega shine -- in RL this is more subtle than the photo would make it.

What do you think? I was happy with it.
I always like it when I get a spontaneous expression that something looks great, as BookGirl did today.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-11 16:42:51.

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