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Ah, Sephora – my favorite store! I never get out of there under $100 though. I remember when Sephora first came to Charlotte – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. It has sky rocketed in the retail world and has made a huge name for itself in their on-line sales as well. Of course, you can buy some of the same products at some big box retailers such as Belk and Nordstrom but I still prefer to shop at Sephora.
I am not a huge fan of Sephora’s brand of makeup and I thought I would post a few items that Paula Begoun states are great. Unfortunately, there are not that many. Maybe in the years to come they will focus more on the product and not the flashy product packaging!
Here is Paula’s review of Sephora – of course, you can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com
Sephora At-A-Glance
Strengths: Inexpensive; some good cleansers and makeup removers; the Blotting Papers; good powder foundation; the Light Touch Highlighter; Impressive blush and shiny eyeshadow options; great metallic finish eyeliner; awesome brow kit; bountiful selection of lipsticks and lip glosses; a couple of very good mascaras; several outstanding makeup brushes; the Luminizer shimmer lotion; testers are available in-store for each product, and sales pressure is practically nonexistent.
Weaknesses: Mostly average to below-average toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens; no options for those dealing with acne or skin discolorations; some SPF-rated products (including foundations) lack sufficient UVA-protecting actives; the lip plumper is too irritating; too many disappointing eye-makeup products, including several disappointing eyeliners and brow pencils; unappealing shimmer powders.
**The BEST Sephora makeup products by Paula Begoun**
>Extreme Lash Mascara ($14.00)
>Eye Dew – Liquid ($10.00)
>FACE Exfoliator & Mask, for Normal Skin ($12.00)
>FACE Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.00)
>Lengthening Mascara ($10.00)
>Long Lasting Metallic Eyeliner ($10.00)
>Luminizer Sephora ($22.00)
>Roll-Up Blotting Papers ($8.00)
>Sephora Brushes ($4.00-$40.00)
I have a ton of lipsticks, lip gloss’ and lip stains. Of the many that I have tried over the years, I only have a few that I wear consistently. I’m always searching for a better one – one that really does stay put, not to sticky or slick, moisturizers, compact enough to fit in my pocket, easy to apply when you don’t have a mirror handy.
I found 2 that are great and I wear them almost every day. It’s amazing that not only are they really affordable but really do stay on.
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Gloss $8.95 ($4.99 at ULTA)
A lightweight lip gloss infused with moisturizing and nourishing Vitamin E and Omega 3 oils. This unscented formula leaves lips shiny and glossy with a hint of subtle shimmer. Does not contain an SPF.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Colour Riche Lip Gloss is L’Oreal’s best lip gloss, period! It has a silky yet moisturizing texture that imparts sheer to medium color (depending on the shade) and leaves lips with a glossy finish free of stickiness. The shades, including the goes-with-anything Rich Pink, are bound to please—and don’t be nervous about trying the deeper hues; each goes on softer than it appears.
I couldn’t agree more, it is SO moisturizing and the color stays on. I love this stuff!
L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss – $9.99
This lip gloss feels good and looks very pretty. It definitely stays on longer than most lip gloss but not for 6 hours like the ad says. Put it on with a light hand – otherwise, it will feel tacky after a while and will bleed. There are 16 shades. It does not contain an SPF. L’Oreal Colour Rich is more moisturizing.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss is the lip gloss partner to L’Oreal’s Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor. Like its lipstick partner, this gloss presents more problems than solutions. The triangle-shaped applicator would have been helpful in getting a precise application, except for the fact that it’s not stiff enough, making it a struggle to achieve an even application. The gloss applies sheer yet feels dry and tacky throughout its wearing time. It does stay on reasonably well through drinking and eating, but certainly does not last the promised six hours. The color starts to bleed into lip lines and wears off unevenly after a couple of hours, requiring reapplication or touch-ups throughout the day. The uncomfortable wear, combined with the need for frequent reapplication, makes this gloss not worth considering over better traditional lip gloss options from L’Oreal as well as from other lines.
I don’t completely agree that it is that bad, but it not of the same caliber of the Colour Riche.
M.A.C. SlimShine Lipstick – $14.50
Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.
REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Slimshine Lipstick is for women who prefer sheer, glossy colors. That’s exactly what this smooth, lightweight lipstick provides, and the color range is a smart blend of the trendy along with the tried-and-true. These slim lipsticks have a very glossy finish but aren’t the least bit sticky. They’re not much for longevity (and not for anyone prone to lipstick bleeding into lines around the mouth), but if those concerns don’t apply to you, this is another sheer lipstick to consider.
I love this lipstick. My only complaint is that the case doesn’t stay shut so sometimes I reach for it in my handbag and the top came off. Otherwise, it is super moisturizing and doesn’t bleed.
Don’t forget, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
As I mentioned in a prior post for the A-List, Part 1, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best.
The B-List: Playing a Supporting Role to Help Skin Look Its Best:
B-List Ingredients:
>Linoleic / Linolenic Acids / Phospholipdis
As I mentioned before, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best. I’ll post the B-List products shortly.
A-List Ingredients that you should look for in a product:
A-List Products with Glycolic or Lactic Acid:
>Paula’s Choice “8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel” ($17.95 for 4 oz) [I use this and so does my husband – we both love it. I can only use it every other day though. It exfoliates for me so I don't have to use a scrub anymore!]
>Peter Thomas Roth “AHA 12% Ceramide Hydrating Repair Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)
>Peter Thomas Roth “Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)
>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Face Lotion, Night” ($12.59 for 2.5 oz)
>Ultraceuticals “Ultra Ace Hydration Booster” ($50 for 2.5 oz)
There is a great report on Beautypedia.com that I found which I wanted to share. Of course, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
List of A-list products with Sunscreen Actives:
Here’s a recap of several prior posts where I listed the Best AHA and BHA products, Best Concealers, Best Eye Moisturizers, Best Facial Serums, Best Facial Cleaners, Best Facial Masks, Best Facial Moisturizers (without sunscreen), Best Makeup Removers, Best Retinols, and Best Self-Tanners, all according to Paula Begoun (read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
Now, onto the BEST Facial Moisturizers WITH sunscreen (SPF 15+) according to Paula. All of the following moisturizers with SPF were rated the BEST by Paula’s for two important reasons:
One, each has an SPF 15 or greater and includes avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb (the latter approved for use outside the United States) as one or more of the active ingredients (if these are listed someplace else on the ingredient list, it does not count toward reliable sun protection). Avobenzone may be listed on an ingredient label by its chemical name, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, and Mexoryl SX may be listed as ecamsule.
Two, every sunscreen on the lists below contains a range of antioxidants and also includes other skin-beneficial ingredients such as those that mimic healthy skin’s structural components. Antioxidants are proving to be an incredibly helpful addition to sunscreens because they not only boost the efficacy of the active ingredients, but also help offset free-radical damage from sun exposure. Selecting a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen or “regular” sunscreen without antioxidants isn’t giving your skin as much of a fighting chance against the cascade of damage that sun exposure can cause (and that can be dramatically minimized with diligent, liberal application and, when needed, reapplication, of sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater).
I do love to have a good tan – tan fat looks better than white fat, right! But, things have changed for me over the years. I wear liberal amount of SPF everyday and I do not tan anymore. I enjoy a good book at the beach with an umbrella and hat to give me some protection.
According the Paula Begoun, co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), here is what you need to know about tanning and the sun:
First, as you know there is NO such thing as a safe tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning booth. Even if you tan slowly without burning, the damage is hazardous to the health of your skin. As a general rule it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and to spread over and into the skin.
How to calculate how long you can stay in the sun, the formula is this:
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How many minutes you would normally be in the sun before you get pink? Take the number of minutes and multiply it by the SPF that you would wear.
(10 mins x 15 SPF = 150 mins, or 2-1/2 hours)
UVB radiation is the sun’s burning ray and has an immediate, harmful impact on skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute (yes, 60 seconds) of walking outside!
My Mom and I spent the day shopping this past Sunday – a ritual that we are trying to do every few months. While I was in another store, she popped into Bath & Body and purchased the Anti-Aging Starter Kit by Patricia Wexler, M.D. I wish I could have been there to tell her to ‘wait’ until I show her the facts. But, I promised her I would give her the review from Paula Begoun on this. So far Mom loves the products and like I always say, if you enjoy a product then by all means keep using it.
Paula Begoun is co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]). Here is Paula’s review of my Mom’s products.
I HIGHLY recommend that you read Paula’s review on this entire product line and the background of Patricia Wexler, M.D.
At-A-Glance
Strengths: Good selection of well-formulated moisturizers and serums; two highly recommended cleansers; good topical disinfectant with benzoyl peroxide.
Weaknesses: Moderately expensive; at-home AHA peel provides more irritation than help for skin; all lip products contain potent irritants; one sunscreen lacks UVA-protecting ingredients; no non-irritating salicylic acid products for acne-prone skin; skin-lightening product is alcohol-based; jar packaging.
A friend of mine recently told me that her daily skin care regime includes all Origins products. I was so glad she told me so I could let her in on a little secret…Origins skin care products are not very good!
I currently use some of their body products and I used to use their face products until I did some research on them. According to Paula Begoun, author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), all 84 skin care products received a poor rating! The only Origins products that received a very good or good rating was their makeup.
Paula bases her reviews on the actual formula of a product – not her own personal experience or her feelings about a particular company. Her reviews are based on a products potential for irritation, dryness, breakouts, sensitivities, greasiness, anti-wrinkle claims, exfoliation potential, healing, antioxidant value, sun protection, and other issues of performance and if a company is overcharging for its products or is dishonest in their claims and literature.
Here is list of what my friend is using and Paula’s review and well as a review of the entire Origins line:
I cannot tell you how many times I have tried a self-tanner – with so much optimism and then indignity. I swear I have used every self tanner on the market, including the popular Jergens Natural Glow in Light, Medium and Dark tones. I used the Jergens color light on my legs (never on my face because I am sure I would break out; I am too sensitive). I won’t lie, this product is GREAT for the price, but it’s the smell that gets me. I just can’t handle the smell! I always said that if I can smell the product on me than so can everyone else! I would mix it with some of my regular lotion, but to no avail.
Having a nice sun-kissed glow is something that really can change your outlook – kind of like having a really ‘good hair day’, but it can be costly. So, for those of you who have given up on the sun (for obvious reasons), here are the BEST self-tanners from Paula Begoun. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
The BEST Self-Tanners (I did not include the very good tanners):
>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Body” $9.99
>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Face” $9.99
>Clinque “Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze” $18.50
>Clinque “Self-Sun Face Quick Bronze” 18.50
>Estee Lauder “Body Performance Naturally Radiant Moisturizer” $35.00
>Estee Lauder “Go Bronze Plus Tinted Self-Tanner for Face” $22.50
>Estee Lauder “Sunless SuperTan, for Face” $22.50
>Lancome “Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Moisturizing Mousse $29.50
>Paula’s Choice “Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel, for All Skin Types” $12.95
>Sonia Kashuk “Bronze Sunless Tanner” $14.99
How did Paula pick the best ones?
My step-mom recently bought some products by DDF (Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula) and she loves them and I can tell a difference in her skin already! No lie. I thought I’d share with her and my readers what Paula Begoun says about this brand, now owned by Proctor & Gamble.
Remember, you can read Paula’s full reviews and advice in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
Review of DDF – Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula:
This skin-care company’s Web site has it right with the statement that “before the beauty world discovered dermatologic skincare brands, there was DDF.” Launched in 1991, well before it became common practice for “known” dermatologists to create their own skin-care lines, pioneering dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel began and is still behind this brand. This is a long-standing line that has the backing of a dermatologist (and later that of nutritional consultant Elaine Linker), so you would expect DDF to be just what the doctor ordered. In some respects, it is. However, more often than not, products from dermatologists are just as prone to outlandish claims, exorbitant prices, and use of unproven ingredients as products from any other cosmetics line. A founder’s medical background isn’t a guarantee that every product he or she creates will do exactly what it claims or even be sensibly formulated. In that sense, DDF falters more than it succeeds. Sobel’s credibility for creating treatment-based skin-care products is diminished when inappropriate ingredients (alcohol, menthol, and others) are included in products positioned as prestige products with a medicinal slant. Still, there are some very impressive options available (particularly in the moisturizer and serum categories) that, price notwithstanding, are worthy of consideration.
The line’s success has not gone unnoticed by larger companies eyeing the growing trend of anti-aging skin care and the popularity of niche lines. It will be interesting to see how things shake out for DDF now that it is owned by consumer product giant Procter & Gamble. P&G released a statement that they intend to “infuse the line with a steady stream of innovation, add marketing expertise, and level its global reach and go-to-market capability to drive future growth” (Source: www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news). They certainly have the money and staff to accomplish these goals, but it’s worth mentioning that P&G’s Olay brand, although mass market and at a lower price point, features many products that rival the best of what DDF offers, and with far fewer missteps. For more information about DDF, call (800) 437-7546 or visit www.ddfskin.com.
I am forever searching for something to really help diminish fine lines but I know it is a lost effort. According to Paula Begoun, “. . . there is no magic potion or combination of products in any price range that can truly make wrinkles disappear. The wrinkles you see and agonize over (not to be confused with fine lines caused by dryness—these are easily remedied with a good moisturizer) are the result of cumulative sun damage and the inevitable breakdown of the skin’s natural support structure. Skin care ingredients, no matter who is selling them or the claims they assert, cannot replace what plastic surgeons or cosmetic dermatologists can do.”
You can read Paula’s full reviews and advice in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
Well, then fine lines be gone, right! Paula raves about a product line called Dr. Denese New York and as such, I decided to buy (yet another) a product. Here is a quick synopsis of what Paula says about Dr. Denese New York:
Here is Paula’s full review of the M.A.C product line in general. You can read all her other reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
When it comes to skin care you may be tempted to dismiss the small assortment M.A.C. offers and skip right to their makeup with its well-earned positive reputation. But doing so would mean missing a handful of beautifully formulated products that are worth trying. By no means is M.A.C.’s skin-care line one-stop shopping (at least not if you have blemishes, skin discolorations, or require more than a couple options per category), but you’ll find more than just the color products impressive here, and the prices aren’t unreasonable either!
Here is Paula Begoun’s review of the “Best” Concealers. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
According to Paula, there are lots of good concealers available in all price ranges, the options below represent the elite, whether you prefer a liquid formula (generally best for normal to oily skin or for use on blemishes) or cream formula (generally best for normal to dry skin not prone to blemishes or for undereye use).
Each concealer below has a beautiful texture, provides moderate to significant coverage without looking thick or cakey, and has an impressive wear time with minimal to no risk of creasing into lines around the eye.
Paula does not recommend color-correcting concealers because they rarely (if ever) look convincing in natural light, and they often substitute one visible discoloration for another. Read the rest of this entry »
I had lunch on Saturday with my Mom and my step-sister and we were chatting about the crazy products I use (or not use). I recently started to use a great makeup remover in addition to my old stand by, Vaseline”. Yep, I use Vaseline to take off my mascara and eye makeu
p. My Mom thinks I’m nuts but I swear by it. I let it soak in for a minute and the mascara comes right off – no pulling or tugging or loss of lashes and it conditions them to boot! I also use Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I swear by these. They are the consistency of baby wipes. They are a little too pricey, but I’ll pay for them anyway. I make a clean swipe with the towelettes and then use Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover to get a good deep clean, like around my nose and chin. Viola – that’s it!
Here are Paula Begoun’s review of the “Best” and “Very Good” Makeup Removers. I did not add the “Okay” or “Average”. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).
According to Paula, the makeup removers below are all fragrance-free and do not contain ingredients known to be irritating when used around the eyes. Whether you choose a detergent- or silicone-based product, all of the options below work quickly and efficiently with minimal effort. Keep in mind that a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover works great for taking off stubborn eyeliner or waterproof mascara at lash roots, and is easier to control than a cotton pad. Read the rest of this entry »
