Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15

PRODUCT: 
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15, 
garnierusa.com

PRICE: $12.99 (2.5oz.)  

CATEGORY: Skin Care Products

TYPE: BB Cream

*My Rating: 5/10

Beautypedia: POOR

TotalBeauty: 6.7/10

Allure: 3/5

TO LIGHTEN UP DARK SPOTS

“Includes Vitamin C as a skin brightener to even out discoloration.“

The Claim:

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream immediately and effectively fulfills your skincare expectations with just one multi-benefit product that combines intense moisturizing skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage for skin that looks naturally more even, radiant and smooth.

Benefits:

• Broad spectrum sunscreen protection
• Contains the most powerful moisturizer known so far
• Skin lightening benefits
• Provides good antioxidant protection against the environment

QUICK TAKE

SPF: 15

Shades: Two
Fragrant Scent: Strong citrus                 

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C (emollient rich)

Texture: Lightweight                        

Consistency: Thin Cream

Coverage: Light to Medium                           

Complexion: Radiant

Finish: Satin-like                               

Results: Dewey Glow (greasy)

Wear: 4-6 Hours                                   

Best Usage: Daily, AM and PM

Best For: Normal to Dry Skin                              

Tested on Animals: Yes

Jar Packaging: No                           

Verdict: I do not recommend it

DOWN and DIRTY DETAILS

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C - Formula-wise, this is among the least impressive of the numerous BB creams the cosmetic industry offers. It does not contain enough good-for-your-skin beneficial extras.

• Hyaluronic Acid - (in its salt form, sodium hyaluonate) Can boost skin's moisture content and help prevent moisture loss. It is the most powerful moisturizer and humectant known so far. Provides smoothness and softening to the skin. Can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Glycerin (moisturizes) - is a humectant and extremely hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs water from other sources. So, in part, glycerin works because of its ability to attract water from the environment and from the lower layers of skin (dermis) increasing the amount of water in the surface layers of skin.
• Vitamin C (antioxidant) Ascorbyl Glucoside- In general, vitamin C is a collagen boosting antioxidant vital for glowing skin. It is anti-inflammatory, controls oil, hydrates, lightens discoloration, wards off free-radicals, produces healthy collagen and healthy collagen equals plumper skin. There is more information on this ingredient at the end of my blog.

Other Ingredients: Other than the ingredients mentioned above, this product contains mostly emollients, polymers, and thickeners. There are also several fragrant ingredients and over-drying alcohol substances that are not good the skin.

Shades: Two (Light/Medium & Medium/Deep) - Both of which are on the peachy side. Since, this is not as sheer as a tinted moisturizer, the peachy tint can look more obvious.

Fragrant Scent: Strong citrus - Contains numerous fragrance ingredients known to cause irritation and has a potentially problematic amount of skin-damaging alcohol.

Texture: Lightweight thin cream - Feels more like a rich lotion when applied.

Coverage: Light to Medium - Spreads very easily for effortless blending. A little goes a long way.

Finish: Satin-like - It sets to a satin finish that feels slightly moist, making this a perfect option for dryer skin types.

Results: Dewy glow - Leaves skin with a radiant sheen that can look somewhat greasy

FEEDBACK

PInkyPrIss Review: Aren't BB creams are supposed to contain several beneficial ingredients? I went through and researched each ingredient and basically there are just three notable ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Vitamin C. - I wouldn't call that enough good-for-your-skin ingredients to call this product a BB Cream. I agree with Totalbeauty.com users, that this is more like a tinted moisturizer with and SPF. Even Allure.com calls it a “tinted facial moisturizer” in their product review. This is perfectly fine product to use, but when I recommend a product I want it to be exceptional.

MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION: 

Ascorbyl glucoside is a form of vitamin C combined with glucose. The FutureDerm Blog notes, because it gets broken down into L-ascorbic acid, it has the same functions as L-ascorbic acid: exhibiting high antioxidant activity, acting as a coenzyme for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis (namely prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase), and inhibiting the synthesis of melanin. You can learn more about this ingredient in FutureDerm's excellent blog post here.

Allure - Best of Beauty 2012; Readers' Choice Breakthrough 2013
New Beauty Magazine 2014 Award Winner

Is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic the BEST Vitamin C Serum?

PRODUCT:

SkinCeuticals, C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment

www.skinceuticals.com

PRICE: $157.00, 1 fl oz.  

CATEGORY: Skin Care Product

TYPE: Serum

FOR THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION

“A super-charged antioxidant serum for all skin types.” 

The Claim:

Combines proven antioxidant vitamins C and E with ferulic acid to maximize antioxidant performance. This synergistic formulation enhances protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays to better prevent premature signs of aging, while stimulating collagen production to help diminish the appearance of photo damage.

• Provides advanced environmental protection against damaging free radicals induced by UVA, UVB, and infrared radiation.
• Increases firmness and replenishes lipids to visibly reduce wrinkles.
• Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.

Benefits:

• Maximum anti-aging results - better than any one antioxidant alone.
• Neutralizes free radical damage and protects against oxidative stress - the factors that lead to premature aging, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.

QUICK TAKE

Fragrant Scent: Strong

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C

Texture: Weightless                             

Consistency: Light Serum

Coverage: Spreads Easily                                

Complexion: Smooth

Finish: Dewy Glow                                     

Wear: 2-3 days                                       

Best Usage: Daily, AM

Best For: All skin types                

Not For: Not for acne prone skin

Jar Packaging: No, a dropper  

Tested on Animals: Yes        

Verdict: I would highly recommend this product.

DOWN and DIRTY DETAILS

Key Ingredient(s): This award winning antioxidant product is a highly-advanced serum that contains 15% pure L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, an antioxidant), 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and Ferulic Acid. Itenhanced the skin's natural UV protection by 8 times.

• 15% L-ascorbic acid - One of the most stable forms of vitamin C is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent.  The Ingredient Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects skin’s breakdown from oxidative stress.
• Vitamin C - in general, is a collagen Boosting Antioxidant vital for glowing skin. It is anti-inflammatory, controls oil, hydrates, lightens discoloration, wards off free-radicals, and produces healthy collagen. Remember, healthy collagen equals plumper skin.
• 1% Alpha Tocopherol (vitamin E) - A soothing, healing an protective antioxidant. It Neutralizes free radicals and replenishes skin’s lipids.
• 0.5% ferulic Acid - This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, helps inhibit UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its sun-protective benefits to skin, Ferulic Acid enhances the stability of topical applications of vitamin E.

Other Ingredients: 

Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Laureth 23, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate

Results:

C E Ferulic showed visible results on aging attributes of lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity while improving skin redness, texture, and overall brightness. It also conditions and brightens the complexion for improved beauty. This exceptional formulation is perfect for protecting all skin types.

Best Usage: Daily, AM - Use once in the morning after cleansing and toning. Apply 4-5 drops to dry face, neck, and chest. Massage until product is fully absorbed. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.

Best For: All skin types - Ideal for those with photo-damaged, Discoloration, and dry skin who want to achieve smoother, healthier and more radiant skin.

Packaging: A Dropper - Beauty expert, Paula Begoun, Notes:

“This serum is dispensed via a dropper applicator. Although not the ideal method to dispense a serum that contains light- and air-sensitive ingredients, sometimes this type of packaging is necessary due to formulary requirements. When that’s the case, the goal is to keep the bottle opening as small as possible, the bottle should be opaque or specially coated to protect the contents from light, and you should use the serum up within three months of opening.”

FEEDBACK

PInkyPrIss Review: After a week of trying out this serum, my skin is younger-looking. My wrinkles have softened on my forehead and mouth. My skin feels firmer. The biggest benefit in using this serum is that it is providing me with the ultimate protection that will help prevent future skin damage and fight the signs of aging. Many users have reported getting tons of complements on their skin's complexion and tone after using this serum as it does decrease hyperpigmention, which evens skin tone. This is an excellent option for a Vitamin C serum, as it contains 15% vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid, the most stable form..

I recommend buying this product in travel size to make sure you like it. Plus, the product remains fresh longer since each vile will be exposed to less amounts of air. 

InStyle Editor's Pick - 2011 Best Beauty Buy Best Antioxidant Serum
New Beauty - Beauty Choice Award The Best Anti-Aging Antioxidant Product
Allure Best of Beauty Three-Time Award Winner Category: Best of Skin Care - Serum

*My Rating: 9.5/10

Allure: 4.7/5

DermStore: 5/5

Skin Store: 4.5/5

Total Beauty: 9.1/10

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How does this serum compare 
to other Vitamin C serums you 
have tried?

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My Upcoming Product Review: SkinCeuticals

Boost Skins Collagen with Truth Serum!

PRODUCT: Ole Henriksen, Truth Serum Collagen booster

Buy Truth Serum

PRICE: $48.00, 1.7 oz.

CATEGORY: Skin Care Products

TYPE: Serum

*My Rating: 7/10

*Sephora: 4.5/5 Stars

*Total Beauty: 6.7/10

*Beautipedia: AVERAGE

FOR TRULY YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

“A high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness.”

The Claim:

A great skin booster infused with a high powered vitamin C complex to help smooth out lines and wrinkles while preventing further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to hydrate and keep your skin nourished and protected. Totally weightless, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin where is goes to work to provide long term results.

Benefits:

This amazing 10% vitamin C skin booster and anti-aging treatment firms and smooths, delivering more radiant skin. Offering instant and long-term hydration, nourishment, and antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors.

QUICK TAKE
SPF: None                                      

Shades: None

Fragrant Scent: Orange Scent    

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C

Texture: Weightless                   

Consistency: Silky Serum

Coverage: Spreads Easily           

Complexion: Gorgeously Luminous

Finish: Smooth Penetration     

Results: Radiant Skin

Wear: Long-term hydration     

Best Usage: Daily, AM

Packaging: Clear, glass pump

Tested on Animals: No

Verdict: Yes, I recommend it!

DOWN and DIRTY DETAILS

Key Ingredient(s): This water-based serum treats skin to two forms of vitamin C along with the antioxidant vitamin E. It is enriched with green tea extract and sodium hyaluronate to nurture and nourish:

• Vitamin C - in general, is a collagen boosting antioxidant vital for glowing skin. It is anti-inflammatory, controls oil, hydrates, lightens discoloration, wards off free-radicals, produces healthy collagen and healthy collagen equals plumper skin.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - is very stable, safe, and non-irritating form of Vitamin C—the key to production of collagen. It maximizes the protective properties of Vitamin C by retaining its effectiveness over time. Use alone or together with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, can provide an effective antioxidant combination that reduces the formation of free radicals and stimulates collagen synthesis (which slows down with aging). Additionally, it can help to improve the appearance of skin as it can lessen the appearance of photo-damage and age spots.

Other Ingredients:

• Vitamin E - which is known to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
• Orange extract - supports natural cell turnover and purifies. 
• Grapefruit - extract brightens with antiseptic and aromatic qualities.
• Rose hips - seed extract heals, repairs damage, and soothes. 
• Ester-C (Calcium Ascorbate) - is a highly stable natural form of vitamin C found naturally in the body.
• *This serum also contains artificial coloring agents, which aren't helpful for anyone's skin.

Fragrant Scent: Sweet Orange Scent - I have read this contains several potentially irritating synthetic fragrance compounds and an irritating plant extract.

Coverage: Spreads Easily - It glides across face achieving great coverage; so a little goes a long way.

Complexion: Gorgeously Luminous - Not only do I have a glowing complexion, but I even look more youthful. It's amazing how even-toned my skin is!

Finish: Smooth Penetration - Product penetrates the dermis quickly, and your skin's texture is left feeling smooth and hydrated.

Results: Radiant glow - After a few weeks of use, my skin seems more plump and taught. My skin appears to be significantly healthier looking; I mean it's glowing isn't it!

Packaging: Clear Glass Pump - The clear glass bottle packaging lowers my rating for this product. As you may know, sunlight breaks-down ingredients, making them significantly less potent.

MORE INFORMATION:
Though I may love the glow I get from this product I am sure there are better options available. Expert Paula Begoun mentions a few of them below:

"If you are interested in vitamin C for your skin, lines such as Skinceuticals, MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross, and Paula's Choice outpace this by miles. Henriksen needs to improve both formula and packaging before his vitamin C serum can join the ranks of the best in this category."          -Paula Begoun (Beautypedia)

FEEDBACK

PInkyPrIss Reviews: I use this product regularly, like every single day! It is worth buying simply for the amazing glow. I can't live without it an I am currently on my third bottle. I keep this product in a dark drawer so the ingredients remain potent and don't degrade from sunlight. In summary, this product hydrates, smooths, and protect your skin. It truly does give you even toned and radiant complexion.

_____________________________


Have any of you

tried the Ole Henriksen

collagen boosting Truth Serum?

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