Words cannot express how thankful I am for all of your patience and loyalty. To show my appreciation, I’m giving away a ton of products that would otherwise just be sitting on my shelf. I might as well pass on potential loves, right?
*Note that some of these products have been swatched and/or used, while others are untouched. All products that have been touched, have been sanitized with cotton rounds and 99% rubbing alcohol. If you are uncomfortable with receiving used cosmetics, feel free to give or toss the used items away if you are a Winner. Best of luck to you all!
**Also, note that many of the photos have been purposely (and obviously) edited in order to retain a given product’s true color as much as possible. The flash knocks the overall white balance WAY off course.
Giveaway Rules
- As this giveaway is just for you guys, all you have to do is write a comment telling me about something important in your life; or talk about anything you’d like. Also, if possible, it’d be nice if you could introduce one of your friends (who would be interested in what we discuss here) to our community. Of course, I’m not going to check if you actually do this.
- Four (4) Winners will be randomly selected from all comments submitted before May 31st, 2014.
- The first Winner will get to choose ten (10) products from those available.
- The second Winner will then select the next ten (10) products from those available, and so on.
- Because the fourth Winner would otherwise be left with the least desired products, he/she will have the opportunity to choose five (5) products before the first Winner chooses.
- Winners can only choose up to one (1) of each of the following: brush, sunscreen, Sephora Birthday Reward; and two (2) of each of the following: powder, concealer/corrector.
- Finally, Winners can pick one of the four bags shown above to hold their chosen selections. The order will once again be: 4>1>2>3.
Here are the products:
Face
Sleek Makeup Creme to Powder Foundation TESTER KIT – LIGHT/MEDIUM (New)Redpoint Age Minimizer Dual Foundation – LIGHT (Swatched)Graftobian HD Glamour Creme – NEUTRAL PALETTE #2 (New)- Graftobian HD Creme Corrector – PINK HI-LITE (Swatched)
- Graftobian HD Creme Corrector – SOFT ORANGE (Swatched)
- Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer Trio – LIGHT/MEDIUM/DARK (Used)
- E.L.F. Complete Coverage Concealer – LIGHT (Swatched)
- L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base (Used)
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder (New)Kryolan Anti-Shine Powder (Used)- E.L.F. HD Powder – CLEAR (Used)
- Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 – TRANSLUCENT (Used)
- Neutrogena Shine Control Powder – INVISIBLE 10 (Used)
- Maybelline Dream Matte Face Powder – SAND/MEDIUM 0-1 (Used)
Cheeks
Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick – 05 SHY BLUSH (Swatched)Smashbox High Lights Creamy Cheek Color – GOLDEN BLOSSOM (New)E.L.F. Cream Blush – HEARTBREAKER (New)E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder – ST. LUCIA New)- E.L.F. Studio Bronzer – GOLDEN BRONZER (New)
E.L.F. Essential Bronzer with Brush – GLOW (New)Avon Mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder (Used)Avon Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes (New)- Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator – 010 BARE LIGHT (Used)
Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator – 030 GOLD LIGHT (New)
Eyes
E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit – MEDIUM (New)- Sephora Eye Shadow – PEACH BEIGE No. 13 (Swatched)
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow – COPPER PENNY 20 (Swatched)- Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 HR Eyeshadow – 35 Tough as Taupe (Used)
Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo – PINK SLATE/STRAWBERRY FUDGE (Swatched)
Lips
Clinique High Impact Lipstick SPF 15 – 19 EXTREME PINK (New)Stila Lip & Cheek Stain – COCONUT CRUSH (New)
Combination
- Sephora Birthday Reward 2012; contains a Mini Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 and a Mini Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 (Swatched)
- Sephora Birthday Reward 2013; contains a Mini Benefit They’re Real Mascara and a Benefit Watt’s Up Highlighter (New)
Sephora Birthday Reward 2014; contains a Mini Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil – 0L, a Mini MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara, and a Mini Rouge Artist Nautral Lipstick – N9 (New)
Tools
- E.L.F. Essential Custom Compact with Mirror (New)
- Sigma F80 -Flat Kabuki (Used)
Sigma F82 – Round Kabuki (Used)Sigma F84 – Angled Kabuki (Used)
Sunscreens
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen (Used)Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 (New)
*I apologize in advance for any photos that require you to rotate your head. Sorry!
Sleek Makeup Creme to Powder Foundation TESTER KIT – LIGHT/MEDIUM (New)
*I would say these shades range from about NC25 – NC40.
Redpoint Age Minimizer Dual Foundation – LIGHT (Swatched)
*I would say the left shade is about NW15, and the right shade is about NC15. This product comes with an unused sponge.
Redpoint Age Minimizer Dual Foundation Swatches
Graftobian HD Glamour Creme – NEUTRAL PALETTE #2 (New)
*Apparently this product is one of the highest rated creme foundations/concealers on MakeupAlley, which is why I bought it in the first place. I never got around to using it though. The shades range from about NC30 to NC42/45. I know, right?! Inaccurate photo! So just look at the picture of the Sleek foundations above, and imagine this as a slightly darker version.
Graftobian HD Creme Corrector – PINK HI-LITE (Swatched); Graftobian HD Creme Cerrector – SOFT ORANGE (Swatched)
*I imagine that because these are too emollient, they would sink into fine lines and crease all over the place. But I’ve never actually used these, so who knows?
Graftobian HD Creme Corrector Swatches
Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer Trio – LIGHT/MEDIUM/DARK (Used)
*Apparently these Eve Pearl Products are really famous concealers/correctors, but I personally did not like them. The petrolatum base makes this insanely pigmented, but also quite slippery and prone to creasing. But maybe my technique isn’t very good because many, MANY people love these products. The Dark shade is not quite as orange or vibrant as it appears.
Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer Trio Swatches
E. L. F. Complete Coverage Concealer – LIGHT (Swatched)
*Unfortunately, the coverage is anything but complete; it’s more light-medium coverage. The shades range from about NW10-NC20.
E. L. F. Complete Coverage Concealer Swatches
L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base (Used)
*While there’s no practical way to sanitize this product, because this doesn’t contain water, there is little opportunity for bacterial proliferation.
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder (New)
Kryolan Anti-Shine Powder (Used); E.L.F. HD Powder (Used)
*These white “translucent” powders, like all translucent powders, look chalky and ashy on my complexion. Therefore, I don’t use them. Plus, I’m not a fan of loose powders.
Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 (Used); Neutrogena Shine Control Powder (Used); Maybelline Dream Matte Face Powder (Used)
*While the Physician’s Formula Powder provides excellent sun protection (for a powder) due to the high amounts of inorganic UV Filters, the finish is far too shimmery. There are small glitter particles everywhere, which accentuate my large pores and acne scars. Plus it isn’t particularly oil-controlling. While the Neutrogena powder controls oils comparatively better, its almost “translucent” or white shade makes me look ashy. The texture is also quite chalky. Finally, while the Maybelline powder is both oil-controlling and non-chalky, as you can see from the photo, the shade is rather pink and appears as a weird gray cast typically associated with “tinted” mineral sunscreens.
Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick – 05 SHY BLUSH (Swatched)
***I couldn’t quite capture the exact color of this. But it’s pretty much a blend of both photos: not quite as pink as the first photo, but less red than the second. There’s almost an imperceptible hint of mauve.
Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick Swatch
Smashbox High Lights Creamy Cheek Color – GOLDEN BLOSSOM (New)
*Again, the color of the blush is a bit more cool-toned, with a hint of mauve.
E. L. F. Cream Blush – HEARTBREAKER (New)
E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder – ST. LUCIA (New); E.L.F. Studio Bronzer – GOLDEN BRONZER (New); E.L.F. Essential Bronzer with Brush – GLOW (New)
Avon Mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder (Used)
*This contains very faint shimmer particles that create a barely-there sheen-like effect. While there’s no chunky glitter, I prefer something that’s completely matte, since I only contour rather than bronze all-over. Despite these reservations, it’s still the highest rated bronzer on MakeupAlley.
Avon Mark Bronzer Swatch
Avon Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes (New)
*I would say overall, the colors are slightly less vibrant. Once again however, that doesn’t really matter since this is a highlighter.
Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator – 010 BARE LIGHT (Used)
*The color is slightly less pink than it appears in the first photo, but not as orange as it appears in the swatch. But that doesn’t really matter since there is hardly any color to this when applied on the skin. Also, note that this is one of the most highly rated liquid highlighters on MakeupAlley.
Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator Swatch
Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator – 030 GOLD LIGHT (New)
E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit – MEDIUM (New); Sephora Eye Shadow – PEACH BEIGE No. 13 (Swatched); Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow – COPPER PENNY 20 (Swatched); Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 HR Eyeshadow – 35 Tough as Taupe (Used); Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo – PINK SLATE/STRAWBERRY FUDGE (Swatched)
*I bought the Maybelline product thinking that it might be a dupe for my beloved HG eyebrow filler that has long been discontinued, the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Ash. Unfortunately it’s darker, more gray, and the texture is not quite as easy to work with. Off it goes!
Clinique High Impact Lipstick SPF 15 – 19 EXTREME PINK (New); Stila Lip & Cheek Stain – COCONUT CRUSH (New)
*Note that the Stila product is housed in one of those click-pen type packaging. I’d imagine the color is similar to the color of the package.
Sephora Birthday Reward 2012; contains a Mini Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 and a Mini Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 (Swatched); Sephora Birthday Reward 2013; contains a Mini Benefit They’re Real Mascara and a Benefit Watt’s Up Highlighter (New); Sephora Birthday Reward 2014; contains a Mini Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil – 0L, a Mini MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara, and a Mini Rouge Artist Nautral Lipstick – N9 (New)
E.L.F. Essential Custom Compact with Mirror (New)
*The eyeshadow part can be easily pried out so you’re just left with a square Z-Palette type of container. The bottom is also magnetic, which is great.
Sigma F80 -Flat Kabuki (Used); Sigma F82 – Round Kabuki (Used); Sigma F84 – Angled Kabuki (Used)
*I bought these Sigma brushes when I first started using makeup several years ago. For me, these are too dense and absorb SO much product. And while the shapes are different, the end results are very similar. But nothing beats fingers for liquid “foundations.” Plus, my skin cannot handle any type of “buffing” motion. Finally, these brushes are too dense for anything else, including contouring, powder, etc…
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen (Used); Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 (New)
*I’ll eventually have full reviews of these products, so I won’t get into the amount of protection, how I used them, etc… right now. Anyways, I find that the EltaMD product is a bit too drying. The tint is also a pretty dark, slightly pink color. It’s more neutral (meaning more orange) than the tint of the Paula’s Choice product, which is a light very pink shade. But they are both intolerable for my warm yellowish complexion, which also has a tinge of olive. The texture and finish of the PC sunscreen though, is quite divine. It’s a very velvety matte.
And that’s a wrap! Again, I really appreciate all of your support and enthusiasm. And I hope you’ll share this blog with your friends, coworkers, and/or family members who are interested in skin care.
The Triple Helixian 
Hi John. I may be the oldest perso who follows your blog. I’m a seventy year old retired woman who appreciates your scientific approach to skin care. I’ve recommended your blog to my daughter.
Posted by Rosa Lee Merz | May 31, 2014, 11:46 pmYour effort is greatly appreciated! And I am so thankful to have someone who has experienced so much life be a part of this diverse community. The world would be a pretty boring place if we were all the same, no?
Posted by John | June 1, 2014, 7:36 pmHi, great to see you blogging again! I am looking forward to the section on rosacea, I think I may have it unfortunately. I haven’t seen a dermatologist yet but will try to convince my dr to refer me to one. My skin has just become more and more sensitive and red, however some days it can look mostly ok and other days terrible!
Posted by Katrina | May 31, 2014, 8:04 pmYes, yes ask your GP to refer you to a good dermatologist. 🙂 Please keep me updated with your situation!
Posted by John | June 1, 2014, 7:34 pmThank you for returning! I found your blog about a year ago when I was thinking about how much sunscreen to use after hearing from several sources that 1 teaspoon was required for the face. That was too much to soak in on my skin. I used the rule of 9s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_body_surface_area) and the “one ounce over the whole body” rule to determine that about 1/4 t should be about right for the face, which is about 1/22 of the total body area. So I was thrilled to see that you’d used a different method to come up with the same answer. Since I found you, I’ve enjoyed reading your other posts.
Posted by Sara | May 28, 2014, 12:20 pmGlad to hear it, Sara! Yes, the 1/4 teaspoon rule is definitely the best and most practical way for the average consumer (that’s us ;)) to see how much sunscreen to use. One can certainly use less or more depending on a variety of factors, but 1/4 teaspoon is the standard application amount for the face.
We’re so glad that you decided to join this community, and I look forward to more comments from you!
Posted by John | May 29, 2014, 10:22 amYay, I’m so excited you’re back! It’s so hard to find great quality skincare sites to go to besides just Paula’s Choice! I especially appreciate the scientific-heavy explanations of your posts. (something which I feel Paula lacks in terms of background and expertise) You and futurederm are some of my faves! Keep up the great work!!
Posted by Natalie | May 26, 2014, 7:16 pmWow! I’m super flattered that you consider our community the best! We are thrilled to have you with us. 😉
Posted by John | May 29, 2014, 10:03 amI love this community of skin care fanatics that you have gathered up. I’m just so glad we’re all back together and communicating again!
Now, down to business……In your absence,Josie Maran reformulated her Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 and i am devastated. The new formula is far too thick and i believe it is breaking me out (the beeswax, possibly…?)
Anyhoo, needing another fabulous recommendation from you. I know you have moved on from physical sunscreens, but my skin seems to burn a tad when i use the chemical ones so i really need the physical one. I want to use the PC one but it has NO zinc oxide. That just doesn’t seem right….
Posted by janine | May 24, 2014, 10:51 amWoo me too! We is crazy, and it’s awesome! Yeah, I read that the Josie Maran sunscreen was reformulated to a higher SPF with a lower UV filter content, not to mention that it’s now much greasier. Boo!
As for a product recommendations, hmm… I’d imagine you’d want something similar to the Josie SPF 40, and honestly, nothing really comes to mind. Most of the ones that are as emollient and/or have a lotion-like texture (and provide good UVA and UVB protection of course), are no where near as transparent; you’ll end up with a heavy white cast, which I’m assuming you don’t want. The ones that are better for oilier skin types either use alcohol, leave a white cast, or have a tint that’s generally too dark and too pink/gray. However, one product does come to mind. Note that you’ll likely have to apply a slightly more emollient (antioxidant) moisturizer underneath it because it has more of a matte, slightly-drying finish. Though you’ll have to test it out for yourself. It’s texture is sort of like a primer, so it feels quite light and blends in nicely. Plus, the white cast is hardly noticeable. It’s the MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50. I’m pretty sure it’s available from Sephora, though maybe online only.
Let me know how you like it, should you try it. 😉
Posted by John | May 29, 2014, 9:49 amI’ve already recommended your blog to my nieces. Mostly with, “See, look how smart John is and he knows how important sunscreen is!” Maybe that’s not what you meant, but I think it’s helping. Thanks for all of your hard work and especially your honesty. There doesn’t seem to be much of that on the interwebs.
(I hope I’m not breaking blog comment etiquette by replying, and if I am, please delete my comment. I just saw “Matte for Men” lip balm during the Beauty.com sale. I don’t know if it’s matte, but it remembered seeing it after reading your comment. My brother started using Cococare Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (super cheap) and La Roche-Posay Ceralip (so not super cheap) after the Paula’s Choice lip screen was discontinued. Both are somewhat matte. I hope this helps!)
Posted by Amy | May 23, 2014, 2:30 pmLol! The effort is greatly appreciated! Any kind of sharing is better than none at all. Oh, and I hope you’re okay that I put both of your comments together.
Now, I have seen the Matte for Men lip balm (and its ingredients list). But I decided against trying it because some reviews noted that the finish isn’t actually matte. Plus there’s nothing that spectacular about the ingredients. I also abhor (truly), the smell and feeling of mint on my lips. Plus, the brand doesn’t conform to the FDA’s labeling guidelines of cosmetic products, which lowers my trust of the reliability of the ingredients list. Okay wow, I just went off on a complete tangent.
Coming back now, I have also considered the other two recommendations and decided to not try them. But you don’t need to watch me blabber about why I didn’t like them haha. Regardless, thanks so much anyways. Suggestions are always nice!
Posted by John | May 23, 2014, 5:53 pmI’m glad you’re posting again; I enjoy your blog! Thank you for the giveaway. I was wondering if you have any recommendations for good lip balms with stable sunscreen–my two favorites right now are sort of no-gos but I’m using them anyway for the time being (Nuxe Reve de Miel contains citrus extracts and Jack Black contains unstable chemical sunscreens)
Posted by orata | May 21, 2014, 9:16 amActually, I don’t think there are any lip balms with SPF that I really like. But you do need to protect your lips from the sun. So in my characteristic traditional non-traditional fashion (see what I did there? haha) I generally recommend people to use a stick sunscreen as their lip balm with SPF. They’re essentially the same thing, but you get way more product for how much you’re paying. And if a given stick sunscreen does not provide enough moisture, you can always apply your regular lip balm underneath.
Side question: How do you like the Nuxe Reve de Miel? I’m thinking about trying it because I read that it has a matte finish–something that I’ve been looking for. Right now I have to powder my lips to reduce the shine, which is a hassle and quite annoying haha.
Posted by John | May 22, 2014, 12:25 amThanks for this giveaway John, and Im glad you are back, I was reading your old posts a few days before you come back. Peoples interest in your blog is just a response to the excellent work you do for us. We were around waiting.Looking forward for more and more posts, thank you again!
Posted by Alejandra | May 19, 2014, 9:44 pmOf course! You’re super welcome. It’s great to see you back here!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 11:58 pmWoah! Actually, if ever I would win, I’d love to be last since I can choose first. It would still be sort of like being first, if that makes any sense. Hmmm….the big thing I have right now is the fact that I’ll be leaving in less than a month for college. Goodbye delicious food and cute doggies x.x I haven’t even started packing yet. Or thinking about costumes (part of a week-long orientation seminar). Among other things. Welp.
Posted by Belle | May 19, 2014, 2:32 amHaha your logic does make sense. However, you would only get to pick 5 instead of 10 products. But I get where you’re coming from!
Ooh college! That’s always exciting. What do you plan to major in? Btw, you know the Freshman Fifteen? There IS such a thing! LOL. Be careful. 😉
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 8:13 pmBA Psych, but I’m not really sure what I want yet, so I chose something easy.
I know about it 🙂 I think I’m more likely to lose weight though, because my budget will become limited. Or at least, that’s what happened when I did something similar last year during Summer.
Posted by Belle | May 20, 2014, 8:08 amThat’s a great major! Psychology can be applied to most careers, so it’s versatile at the very least. Although, I’ve found that a bachelor’s degree only builds a rudimentary foundation. It’s the clinical requirement of master and doctorate programs that really opens one’s ability to understand and anticipate human experience. Good luck!
Posted by John | May 20, 2014, 7:24 pmAhh….
So sad that I am not living in USA XD. Love the PC sunscreen XD.
Well, I do want to share this blog to my friends but they are not willing to read anything in English XD. And some of them don’t use skincare products at all. =_=’’
Posted by Lewis | May 18, 2014, 6:36 pmAw, well if you win accordingly, I’m happy to mail the PC sunscreen to your country. Unless, customs wants to confiscate it. Haha. Can I ask why you like that sunscreen? Don’t you find the tint off-putting? And don’t worry about not being able to share this blog with your friends. It was a request, not a requirement for the giveaway!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:44 pmWell, the tint is not perfect for me, it is a bit yellowish after a couple of hours but it doesn’t break me out( it is a physical sunscreen!) and even my skin tone. Still, I am looking for my perfect sunscreen (tint which is suitable for asian, ideal for oily and acne prone skin). It would be nice if you can recommend some sunscreens for me. 😦 either chemical or physical is also fine for me.
Posted by Lewis | May 25, 2014, 11:48 amBtw, does the EltaMD UV Clear spf 46 leave a obvious white cast for asian?
Posted by Lewis | May 25, 2014, 4:40 pmI don’t believe so; it’s one of the main reasons why that sunscreen is so popular. However, the amount of UVA protection that it provides is just barely acceptable in my opinion. But I’ll get into the actual methodology in the eventual Sun Protection Series. Still, it’s certainly better than no sunscreen.
Posted by John | May 29, 2014, 9:54 amToo yellow?! Are we talking about the same product? 😉 Because I’m pretty yellow/warm/olive toned, and the sunscreen is way too cool on me. It’s not even neutral. It’s just plain PINK.
Posted by John | May 29, 2014, 9:52 amThank you John for all of the informative posts. I can tell that you understand all the emotional and physical pain
that I go through with adult acne. I trust your product reviews and information. Thanks for the Giveaway!
Posted by Joanne | May 18, 2014, 5:27 pmThank you for your trust, Joanne. It really means a lot to me! More than sponsors, money, or a ton of views; my readers’ trust is a timeless treasure. *Gag* Okay, that was pretty cliche, no? LOL
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:42 pmHey John! I’m really glad you’re coming back to posting! Your return will hopefully inspire me to be more diligent about my skincare, I’ve definitely gotten lazy in the past few months about doing my full routine (and I think it’s starting to show).
Posted by ladyisla | May 18, 2014, 3:34 pmUh oh! Then, I hope so too. 😉
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:38 pmReally happy that you are back! The only real important thing going on for me is that I have been unemployed way too long and desperately need to look for work but finding it hard to find anything that I want to apply for. I guess I am pretty depressed. Also, I have been using Paula’s Choice exfoliants faithfully for a year and in the beginning they did wonders for my face but lately I have been breaking out a lot. Sigh. In good news, I have perfected baking bread and making Persian tahdig rice.
Posted by Courtney Y | May 18, 2014, 2:17 pmDang. I’m really sorry to hear that. I’ve definitely been in that situation, and it’s really tough to get back up. but you can do it! For me, I treated my job search/writing resumes/brainstorming as a job itself. So I would get up at the same time as if I had a 8-5 job. So like 6:30. I would get dressed (comfortably; don’t stay in your PJs), go through my routine (minus the makeup and hair), and go to town with my computer and pretend that my “would-be boss” is looming over my shoulder; so no Facebook, no personal stuff. I found that it really helps to be in a business-like environment for the few hours I spent every one of those days.
What field are you trying to get into? I’d love to help if I can.
As for your skin, when did you notice the new breakouts? Did you change anything in your routine, diet? Stress could have something to do with unfortunately. 😦 But on a positive note, yay for good food!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:38 pmThis is great advice, thanks! I usually work in finance or software development (my expertise lies mostly in supporting software in a banking/investment situation.) I think it might be stress affecting my diet and not washing my face as thoroughly. I have been trying out an oil cleanser by Kose to remove my BB cream prior to washing with my regular cleanser and I think it is breaking me out. 😦
Posted by Courtney Y | May 31, 2014, 11:17 amIt may be. 😦 Let me know how things turn out!
Posted by John | June 1, 2014, 7:33 pmI’m a dude and I just got introduced to this site by my girlfriend. I really like that it’s a guy’s perspective on skincare and since my girlfriend introduced me to this site and made a skincare routine, I’ve noticed that my skin’s become less oily. That’s a really nice touch.
My question for you is – any advice on body acne (e.g. body washes or the like)? I’ve tried the Neutrogena Acne body washes (the orange ones) but unfortunately per ounce it’s pretty pricey. Any thoughts on this sort of thing (other than isotretinoin)? (BTW this was my girlfriend’s question, not mine)
Thanks, Dan
Posted by dpodder | May 18, 2014, 9:46 amHaha well, welcome! I too, appreciate a guy’s perspective. It brings a bit more balance to the female-dominated cosmetics blogosphere. I hope to see more of your insights!
Now, I would personally recommend applying a leave-on product rather than relying on a body wash for treating acne, since the time that any active ingredient is actually in contact with the skin, is minimal. Also, note that isotretinoin is definitely a Hail Mary pass, and not to be considered lightly. But before we get into more specifics, can you tell me how effective the Neutrogena product has been for her? How would she characterize her acne? How severe is it?
Let me know, and once again, welcome!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:27 pmI am currently in medical school and it’s an extremely trying, hard time. I’m on clinical rotations, and every day I wake up around 4 AM, work 12 to 14 hours, and come home, and still have to study (which, so far, has not been very productive). Sometimes the only things that get me through the day are seeing my patients getting better gradually and gradually, advancing their diets from NPO to clear liquids to solid foods. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they get better, taking them off of parenteral nutrition and NG tube nutrition, seeing them in clinic afterward during their follow-up appointments – that’s the joy that helps me get through the day. (Watching a patient go from death’s door through recovery to discharge is one of the most wonderful things I have ever imagined I could participate in, and it is an honor to be part of that journey.)
Also, I’ve recommended my bf to read your blog – I got him started on a skincare routine from the advice/facts I’ve read on your blog! Thanks!
Posted by medicalschoolgirl | May 18, 2014, 9:34 amI can only imagine how fulfilling and yet difficult that can be. Building those emotional connections, while knowing in your heart that there can’t always be a happy ending, must be just… jarring. I respect the hell out of people like you, whether they be doctors, firefighters, soldiers, who put whatever semblance of their lives on the line. Every day. They recognize that it’s only about the people. Nothing else. I really hope that you never stop trying.
On a less serious note, I appreciate the gesture of introducing your BF to our community. I’m sure he represents a large part of your support system. Work it, girl!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 7:08 pmSo excited to have you back! Your unbiased recommendations are far better than the famous dermatologists who have their own lines to promote or the popular beauty bloggors latest HG products! I am a skin care and beauty product fanatic and your advice and recommendations have saved me tons of money. I am constantly telling my friends about you and they are excited as I am to see your new ideal skin care routine. Thanks so much for all your hard work and dedication to providing us with the best skin care advice and recommendations!
Posted by Julie | May 18, 2014, 7:13 amI really, REALLY appreciate all of your continued efforts and am so flattered, as always. I hope everything is going super well!
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 6:48 pmBefore finding futurederm and paulas choice I was always so depressed about my skin thinking I was doomed to acne and scars. Now I am a skin care addict and will follow you forever. I should be studying but as I am addicted to this website I can’t- the struggle is real.
Posted by Ginny | May 17, 2014, 10:52 pmWell I don’t know whether to be happy or sad. As long as you find balance and satisfaction, I’m all for you being with us. 😉
Posted by John | May 19, 2014, 6:45 pm