Author: Michele Raiyne

Your Best Face Skincare Refresh Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

Refresh from Your Best Face Skincare is their mid-range eye cream that is lightweight and claims to de-puff, brighten dark circles and reduce appearance of fatigued skin.

Ingredients: reverse osmosis water, ceteareth-6 olivate, ethylhexyl palmitate, REGU®-AGE (glycine soja (soybean) protein (and) hydrolyzed rice protein (and) superoxide dismutase), EYEDELINE™ (butylene glycol, water, plankton extract), Eyeseryl® (water (and) butylene glycol (and) acetyl tetrapeptide-5), Collageneer® (helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil and lupinus albus seed extract), Haloxyl® (hydroxysuccinimide, chrysin, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3), Leucidal® (leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate), cetearyl olivate (and) sorbitan olivate, chicory root extract (Ichorium intybus root oligosaccharides, caesalpinia spinosa gum, water, glycerin), caffeine, hydroxyethylcellulose, Sepilift DPHP (dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline)

Refresh contains a number of peptides and actives. Renu-Age is said to reduce puffiness and dark circles while protecting and strengthening the skin. Eyedeline is a marine ingredient that reduces extra fluid and boosts elastin and collagen synthesis. Eyeseryl is a tetrapeptide that reduces puffiness due to poor lymphatic circulation, and dark circles. Collageneer is an antiaging and firming ingredient. Haloxyl reduces under-eye circles. Caffeine is toward the end of the ingredient list and reduces under-eye bags. Chicory root increases collagen production and smooths fine lines. Sepilift DPHP smooths fine lines.

Directions: Apply a small amount and massage into entire eye area including eyelids.

I have dark circles, puffy eyes, some fine lines and generally look tired all the time. The ingredients and mechanism of ingredients sound promising. I’ve used this morning and evening for the last 5 months.

Refresh is a lightweight, serum-cream with no scent that applies easily and doesn’t leave a greasy or heavy feeling. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling immediately smoothed and moisturized. Makeup applies nicely over this.

Above, there might be a very slight reduction in puffiness and the dark circles look maybe a bit less blue, but I’m not sure if this is due to difference in lighting. This is a nice moisturizing cream and the eye area feels hydrated. On the side view photos, there is a reduction in fine lines and the skin has a generally smoothed appearance.

I think Refresh would make a nice preventative to target loss of elastin and collagen and is generally a nice moisturizer.

For me, I think I might need to make peace with the realization that my dark circles are genetic (so not much I can do about that), but I was hoping for more reduction in puffiness at least. I likely will not be buying the more expensive eye creams that claim to reduce dark circles, and should probably focus on hydration and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles (Refresh did a good job hydrating and reducing fine lines).

Thank you for reading.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is color safe and safe for chemically treated hair. This is said to absorb oil, sweat and odor and makes hair look, feel and smell clean. This has time-released fragrance that delivers a “light” clean scent all day.

Ingredients: Isobutane, Propane, Alcohol Denat., Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Cellulose, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate (OFPMA), Caprylyl Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Hydrated Silica, Cetrimonium Chloride, Zeolite, Ethylcellulose, Octoxynol-10, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Water, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Limonene, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Linalool

This contains denatured alcohol which can be drying to skin and hair. OFPMA is in all Living Proof products and is said to repel oil and dirt by reducing surface friction on the hair. Zeolite is a clay-like ingredient that is an absorbent and a deodorant. Octoxynol-10 can clean skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. Disteardimonium hectorite is a clay compound. This contains fragrance as well as hexyl cinnamal, limonene, citronellol, citral and linalool that function as fragrance ingredients.

Directions: Shake well. Hold canister 6 to 10 inches away from dry hair, then apply section by section in a sweeping motion to dirty or oily areas.
Wait 30 seconds for powders to activate and cleanse, then remove them by massaging your hair with your fingers or brushing your hair.

I have fine, dark hair that gets oily quite quickly. I try to wash my hair as little as possible so my keratin straightening treatment lasts as long as it can, but by the end of the second day/beginning of the third day, my hair feels like it needs a wash. I have tried a few different dry shampoos; Batiste being a long-time favorite. I have also tried dry shampoo powders.

Above is before and after third-day hair. It’s a bit hard to tell from the photos, but my hair is less oily, has more volume and more movement since it is not weighed down by oil. In the after photo, my bangs no longer have an oily, stringy look. Of course, this product does not make hair feel as though it is freshly washed, but it looks pretty close. On running my fingers through the hair, it does not feel oily, but feels like it has a bit of texture and feels a bit thicker. It is not sticky and does not make the hair clumpy. It does not leave a white residue on my dark hair. If I use the dry shampoo in the morning one day, the effect lasts into the next day as well.

The scent is similar to other Life Proof products. I have used the Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo (which has a bit of a different undertone) but I have a number of minis I have not used yet, and the scent is the same as the dry shampoo; a sort of perfume-y citrus. On the Sephora website, it states the dry shampoo has a light clean scent – I would disagree. The scent is very overpowering and while it smells nice, I would not describe this as a clean scent. I think if this had a more natural clean scent (or was not so bold), it would not be so bothersome. I am not generally bothered by heavy scents and this does not give me a headache, but for someone who is sensitive to fragrance, this may not work. The heaviness of the scent starts fading after about 3 hours to a more acceptable level, but does last all day.

The Life Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo works very well (one of the better, if not the best dry shampoo I’ve used) in terms of oil absorption and volume and I will continue to purchase; I just wish the scent was less overpowering.

Thank you for reading.

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

Cosrx is a Korean skincare brand using minimal packaging with a focus on ingredients and formulation. The BHA Blackhead Power Liquid claims to deep clean pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, improve texture of the skin and prevent acne and blackheads, while being non-drying and non-irritating.

Ingredients: Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol

Willow bark water has anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting properties and can mimic the effects of salicylic acid. Butylene glycol is a humectant. Betaine salicylate combines salicylic acid (softens and dissolves keratin and exfoliates the pore lining) and betaine (hydrating ingredient) and shows comparable effectiveness to salicylic acid at double the concentration (from Paula’s Choice website). Niacinamide can improve uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dull complexion and fine lines. 1,2-hexanediol is a preservative and humectant. Arginine is an amino acid that functions as an antioxidant. Panthenol and sodium hyaluronate are humetants. Sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid, so is able to more deeply penetrate the skin. Xanthan gum is used to improve product texture and formulation. Ethyl hexandiol is used as a solvent.

This contains a number of humectants, drawing moisture to the skin, and betaine for hydration.

Directions: After cleansing, dispense a small amount on a cotton pad and swipe over the face, concentrating on areas of rough skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow to fully absorb before applying other skincare products. Can be used 2 to 3 times a week. Apply sunscreen if used during the day.

I have oily, uneven skin, blackheads, breakouts and large pores. I used this specifically in hopes to help with blackheads around my nose. After cleansing and toning, I applied one pump every morning with my fingers all over the face to just under the jaw line, concentrating on and around the nose. This is a thin gel that doesn’t really have a scent and it spreads easily. This does not leave stickiness behind once it absorbs (unless too much is used).

I have used the BHA Blackhead Power for 5 months thus far (blackheads take a long time to treat), with quite good results. As in the photos above, there are less blackheads on the nose. My skin looks generally smoother and more moisturized, rather than having my usual oily shine. I think my pores overall look clearer; maybe not particularly refined in size though. The formula was not drying or irritating to the skin. I still got a few pimples throughout use, but they healed much faster. The BHA liquid prevented my usual small pimples and whiteheads around the jawline.

This is quite moisturizing and for me is sufficient as a moisturizer in warmer months.

After 5 months’ use once a day, I still have half the bottle left, so this product lasts a while.

I have used a number of blackhead treatments, the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid providing the best results thus far. I would purchase again.

Thank you for reading.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Densifying Leave-In Root Treatment Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

This root treatment by Alterna Haircare is a daily leave-in scalp spray for thinning, fine and fragile hair. This product claims to stimulate the scalp and create a natural defense against DHT build-up and excess sebum, allowing healthy, thicker-looking hair to grow.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oleth-20, Polysorbate 20, Rice Amino Acids, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Taurine, Hexyl Cinnamal, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Menthol, Limonene, Azelaic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Calphostin C, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Salicylate, n-Carboxyethyl Butyric Acid, Niacin, Ornithine Decarboxylase, Phosphorus, Retinyl Palmitate, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Linalool, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Gastrodia Elata Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, Robinia Pseudacacia Flower Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Geraniol, Dextran, Citral, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Panthenol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Algae Extract, Polysilicone-15, Wasabia Japonica Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Pikea Robusta Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Silanetriol Melaninate, Superoxide Dismutase, Bromelain, Glycine Max (Soybean) Symbiosome Extract, Papain, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Adenosine Triphosphate, Hexapeptide-11, Niacinamide/Yeast Polypeptide, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Caviar Extract, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Pantothenic Acid/Yeast Polypeptide, Soy Amino Acids, Fragrance.

The third ingredient, serenoa serrulata fruit extract, also known as saw palmetto, is believed to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which can bind to receptors in the hair follicles and cause them to shrink, weaken and eventually die, causing hair loss. The fourth ingredient, paullinia cupana (guarana) seed extract contains caffeine, which is also said to suppress DHT. This spray contains castor oil, amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Mint leaf extract and menthol can stimulate and soothe the scalp. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a form of vitamin C. Red clover growth complex is said to help improve blood circulation, soothe irritated skin and eliminate buildup of DHT on the scalp, encouraging thicker, fuller hair that looks and feels denser. Fragrance is the last ingredient.

Directions state to spray on scalp in sections on clean, towel-dried hair and massage in twice daily. Do not rinse.

I have had thinning hair for a years now. My hair type is fine and wavy (though I had a keratin straightening treatment a few months ago). My scalp gets oily rather quickly. About a year ago I finished using The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density with some results, and wanted to try something else in hopes to increase growth and thickness of the hair, particularly at the edges.

Alterna Haircare’s leave-in root spray has a fresh, clean scent that fades once it dries. I used the root spray twice a day, not always on damp hair, as I wash my hair twice a week or so. I parted my hair into four sections, spraying directly on the scalp and massaging in, concentrating towards the front and edges of the scalp, as this is where my hair is thinning. It has a concentrated spray nozzle that doesn’t spread too much; good for getting the spray right on the scalp. One bottle lasted about 2 months; I got two bottles. This doesn’t leave a residue on the hair nor weigh the hair down. It doesn’t leave the hair feeling dry or textured.

Above is the center part and middle of the scalp. After 4 months, I do not see or feel any difference in thickness or growth of the hair.

This is the front hairline, also no change.

The above photo shows a before and after of the edges of my hair that shows no change.

The root spray didn’t increase the thickness, growth or density of the hair, nor did the hair feel any healthier or softer. I have a generally oily scalp that can get itchy and this helped with soothing a bit of the itchiness, but didn’t seem to help with elimination of oil buildup.

The Caviar Anti-Aging Densifying Leave-In Root Treatment has good ingredients, but gave no results in terms of thicker or stronger hair, and I would not repurchase. At this point, I’ll be focusing on the health of the scalp.

Thank you for reading.

The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Kaolin Clay from The Inkey List claims to be a gentle yet powerful mask to deep-clean the skin while absorbing oils and toxins and unclogging pores, leaving skin looking clearer and more even. This mask is for all skin types.

Ingredients: Aqua, Kaolin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Dimenthyl Sulfone, Centella Asiatica Extract,Glyceryl Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Cellulose Gum, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Carbomer, Tocopherol, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Sea Water Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Vitis Vinifera seed oil, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract,Sodium Hydroxide, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

Directions state to use this in the morning or evening once or twice a week, applying a thin layer to clean, damp skin. Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse and pat dry.

I have combination skin now that it is winter; oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks, that is prone to large pores, congestion and breakouts.

This mask has a soft, cream-like consistency with a light clay scent that applies smoothly to the skin.

The photo above is a thin layer of the mask applied to damp skin as directed. Starting at about 5 minutes, the product seems to disappear on the skin as it dries. It doesn’t fully dry out and crack like other clay masks (clay masks really should not be left to dry and flake on the skin anyhow as it causes dryness and irritation).

Above, I applied the mask to dry skin in a thicker layer, which seems to work better than the thin, damp layer for absorbing oils and smoothing the skin.

I have been using this product two to three times a week in the evening for about two months. On first use, I was surprised by how light and non-drying and non-irritating this is on the skin. The skin felt a bit smoother after rinsing. After using this for the two months, the skin does not look much different; no more radiance, not much less congestion, no less blackheads around the nose and the pores do not appear more refined nor the skin deep cleansed. This is such a light mask, that it doesn’t feel like anything is happening on the skin. The mask takes a bit of extra effort and water to rinse well and there seemed to be a bit of residue left that I needed to take off with toner on a cotton pad (I quite like this toner and these toner mates). The skin felt maybe more smooth applying to dry skin in a thick layer. Unlike other clay masks, this one from The Inkey List doesn’t seem to really stay on the skin long enough before sort of drying down and disappearing. The Inkey List Kaolin Clay mask may be better suited to dry or sensitive skin with minimal issues. A kaolin clay mask that performed well for clarity of the skin and deep cleansing the pores is that from Michael Todd. Also, while not a similar product, I get better results with NIOD’s Sanskrit Saponins using as a mask/cleanse when compared to The Inkey List Kaolin Clay.

I would not repurchase the Kaolin Clay mask from The Inkey List.

Thank you for reading.